The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) is conducting its biannual Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) campaign, taking place from August to September 2025 across the country, starting with the major water bodies in the Western Province, including Lake Kivu, Rusizi River, Rubyiro River, Kamiranzu River, Ruhwa River, Secoko River, and Nyabarongo River.

The campaign is part of RWB’s mandate to preserve the quality and quantity of Rwanda’s water resources and contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution and limiting the release of harmful substances into the environment.

These monitoring campaigns are conducted twice a year across Rwanda to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of surface water and groundwater. The data gathered helps guide water management strategies, policy decisions, and pollution control measures, while ensuring that Rwanda’s water resources meet both national and international quality standards

During the campaign, RWB carries out on-site measurements of key physical and chemical indicators such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and salinity.

Samples are also preserved and analyzed at the RWB Water Quality Laboratory, which is equipped with advanced instruments, including an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS 6000) for trace metals, a Picarro L2130-i Isotope Analyzer for stable isotopes, UV-Visible spectrophotometers, a turbidimeter, field heavy metals analyzers, digital titrators, and other specialized equipment. These tools enable accurate testing of nutrients and chemical parameters critical for water quality assessment.

The results are compared against Rwanda’s Ambient Water Quality Standard (RS 564:2023) to assess pollution levels, monitor long-term trends, and identify areas requiring targeted interventions.

Water quality monitoring plays a vital role in building the knowledge base needed for sustainable water resource management. By systematically tracking changes, the institution aims to protect public health, support agriculture and industry, and preserve ecosystems that depend on clean water.

Through this campaign, RWB reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainably managed water resources that can meet the needs of both present and future generations.