About the Institute

Water science in the service of Ghana

The Water Research Institute (WRI) is one of the 13 institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It was formed in 1996 from the merger of the Institute of Aquatic Biology and the Water Resources Research Institute. WRI has a mandate to conduct research into water and related resources. It generates and provides scientific information, strategies and services toward the rational development, utilization and management of Ghana's water resources in support of the socio-economic advancement of the country, especially in agriculture, health, industry, energy, transportation, education and tourism.

Our guiding principles

Research with purpose and impact

Our work is guided by a commitment to scientific research, sustainable water-resource management and the socio-economic advancement of Ghana.

Our Mission

To conduct research into all aspects of water resources, both living and non-living, in order to provide scientific and technical information and services, as well as strategies for the sustainable development, utilization and management of such resources for the socio-economic advancement of the country.

Our areas of expertise

Our Research Programmes

Our research programmes address water resources, environmental quality and the development of aquatic ecosystems.

01

Water Resources Management

  • Characterising low stream flows of rivers in Ghana
  • Integrated assessment of sediment in river basins
  • Climate change and water resources management
  • Modern rainwater harvesting for households and small communities
  • Protection works on coastal and shoreline erosion
  • Design of urban drainage and flood control systems
  • Preliminary geophysical investigations for borehole siting
02

Environmental Studies

  • Groundwater resources for domestic, agricultural and industrial water supply
  • Assessment of groundwater resources and aquifer recharge
  • Water-quality assessment of inland rivers in Ghana
  • Pesticide residue analyses in food crops and water
  • Persistent organic pollutant analyses in vegetable-growing areas
  • Industrial wastewater quality studies
  • Analysis of metal levels in water, riverbed sediments and vegetables
03

Aquatic Ecosystem Development

  • Control of malaria and onchocerciasis
  • Biological control of mosquitoes
  • Control of problematic aquatic weeds
  • Improvement of hatchery facilities and techniques for tilapia and catfish fingerlings
  • Research into the culture of indigenous species, including prawns and Chrysichthys species
  • Culture of brackish-water species, including grey mullets and black-chinned tilapia
  • Promotion of cage and pen fish farming

Advancing water research for Ghana

Supporting the sustainable development, utilization and management of water and related resources through scientific research and services.

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