GOAL

To ensure community access to water of suitable quality and appropriate quantities to meet all reasonable health, environmental and economic development needs.

The WRD consists of three Sections and these are the Hydrology, Watershed Management and Policy and Regulatory Enforcement Sections.

Prior to the establishment of WRD, the Hydrology Section was housed within the Meteorology Division, while the Watershed Management Section was under the Forestry Division. The Policy and Regulatory Section was the only section in existence at the time. The integration of the three sections was to ensure that water resources management is undertaken in a collaborative approach, together with the engagement and support of all key stakeholders.

The key objectives of water resource management as outlined in the Act include:

• the sustainable management of the water resource through coordinated and scientifically sound planning of water resource development and regulated water utilization for all lawful purposes;
• the avoidance of overdrafts of available water supplies through the establishment of an inventory of water resources and the effective monitoring of water levels;
• the improvement of the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the water resource by –

1. regular monitoring of water quality;
2. promoting coordination amongst all agencies of government having roles and functions associated with the testing and monitoring of water quality and supply;

• recording the results of monitoring and maintaining records of other matters associated with the management of the water resource; and

1. the control of pollutant discharges; and

• assisting with the proper assessment of the impacts of proposed developments on the water resource, and facilitating the implementation of effective urban and rural planning regimes that take account of water supply and water quality issues.

SERVICES

HYDROLOGY SECTION

The Hydrology Section is responsible for the assessment and monitoring of the status and conditions of the country’s ground and surface water resources. They are also responsible for the maintenance of water resources monitoring equipment and stations of the National Hydrometric Network, to ensure that information is accurately gauged and stored until it is updated into the National Water Resources Information Management System (NWRIMS). This network of monitoring stations is annually expanded to ensure that all parts of the country are adequately monitored.

Summary of roles & responsibilities:

Installation and maintenance of hydrological equipment and instruments

– Maintenance of surface water measuring sites and gauging stations as well as groundwater monitoring boreholes

– Collection, analysis and dissemination of hydrological & hydro-geological data

– Establishment of a Water Resources Information Management System

– Review data management procedures to enhance quality assurance

– Develop & implement flood risk management guidelines & action plans

– Conduct Drought Yield Assessment program

– Provide strategic advice on all hydrological & hydro-geological concerns and water resources issues

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SECTION

The development & implementation of Watershed Management plans is the main responsibility of the Watershed Management Section. This is to ensure the protection and conservation of watershed areas nationwide. Through the development of these WMPs, critically degraded areas are identified and prioritized for rehabilitation through replanting and demarcation/fencing activities.

This section also assists in the review of Environmental Impact Assessments [EIAs] and environmental monitoring on all developments which may be detrimental to Samoa’s water resources.

Summary of roles & responsibilities:

• Identify practical options for the control & protection of watershed areas.
• Conduct watershed characterization surveys & monitoring
• Develop methods of prioritizing watershed for rehabilitation
• Conduct watershed rehabilitation & protection activities
• Implement soil conservation and erosion control measures
• Implement sustainable land use management
• Assess potential damages to watershed from development and farming activities.
• Provide recommendation & advisory role to development control process (PEARs & EIAs ).

POLICY & REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT SECTION

The Policy and Regulatory Enforcement Section is the spearhead of the division in policy development and regulatory enforcement, as these would assist WRD with its duties and responsibilities.  Their main role includes the development, implementation and monitoring of the national water resources legislation and policies that address water issues and sets out a framework of implementation, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach between all agencies.

Summary of Roles & Responsibilities:

• Enforcement of Water Resources Management Act 2008
• Policy Development and Review
• Administration & Enforcement of the Water Abstraction Licensing Scheme
• Create awareness with communities and the general public on the protection of our water resources and watershed management
• Development of village Bylaws for water resource management
• Engagement of stakeholders and key implementing agencies on water resource management
• Enforcement of the River Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program
• Conduct research on issues faced by water resource management in Samoa