The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Guam Waterworks Authority to support the development of a comprehensive water and wastewater facility master plan for the island.
The total cost of the project is $5.8 million -- GWA will fund the remaining $4.3 million.
"This project is a critical step in developing a comprehensive, long range plan for strengthening Guam's water and wastewater systems," said John McCarroll, manager for the EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Pacific Islands Office. "The funding will go a long way toward helping Guam Waterworks Authority achieve its goals of providing reliable drinking water and protecting public health and water resources on Guam."
The master plan project will:
*Evaluate and assess GWA's water and wastewater systems;
*Identify the utility's existing conditions and assets;
*Forecast trends and needs;
*Develop information management systems for the utility;
*Develop a financial plan; and
*Evaluate alternatives and make recommendations of courses of action and implementation.
The master plan will be used by GWA as a road map for making immediate and long term infrastructure improvements. Guam's current drinking water system is currently undergoing repairs and improvements to provide a reliable supply of water to Guam residents. The island's wastewater treatment system is also being upgraded to ensure proper disposal of treated wastewater and to prevent any spills and overflows.
