The Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific at the University of Guam is one of 12 institutes out of 54 federally authorized water research institutes in the nation to receive the U.S. Geological Survey\u2019s top rating of \u201coutstanding\u201d in its latest five-year evaluation.<\/p>\n
A panel evaluated the activities of WERI from fiscal years 2011 to 2015 and reported that WERI continues to serve an important role in the region, strategically managing its activities and significantly impacting public policy and water management through its research, training, education, and public outreach activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWERI\u2019s mission is to provide trustworthy and timely scientific advice to the region\u2019s professional communities, public agencies, policymakers, and educators for sound, scientifically informed management of our region\u2019s freshwater resources. This rating is a welcome acknowledgement that we are doing our job,\u201d said WERI director John W. Jenson.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The evaluation was conducted to determine WERI\u2019s continued eligibility to receive an annual grant of $375,000 from the Water Resources Research Act Program administered by the USGS. WERI has consistently been rated \u201coutstanding\u201d for the past 25 years.<\/p>\n
WERI conducts research related to freshwater resource development and management and is the main provider of water testing for public, private, and governmental sectors across Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. It also performs public outreach, including tours of the aquifer for policymakers and educators, and is a central supporter of the University of Guam\u2019s environmental science master\u2019s program.<\/p>\n
The panel also commended WERI for its use of community advisory councils and its engagement with other groups to advance water science on the islands. The panel noted that WERI actively collaborates with the U.S. Geological Survey, Guam Waterworks Authority, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Naval Facilities Command Marianas, and other local, regional, and federal agencies throughout the region to provide reliable research, advice, and training on water-related interests. (PR)<\/p>\n