Water Laboratory Division

Introduction

Water Laboratory Services is a Division under the Ministry of Water that has the responsibility of monitoring the quality of water sources and taking part in activities related to controlling pollution of water bodies. The Division has a network of 16 water quality laboratories in the country. These are located in Arusha, Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kigoma, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Musoma, Singida, Shinyanga, Songea, Sumbawanga and Tanga. The Division furthermore carries out analysis of water treatment chemicals in order to check their quality whether they conform with standards.

 Activities of  Water Laboratories Services  Division The core activities of the Division are as listed below:

•  Analysis of fresh water for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters of interest to ascertain the suitability of the water for intended use.
• Analysis of waste water to find nutrients and chemical loading so as to conform to stipulated effluent standards before discharged to other water bodies or the environment.
• Analysis of water treatment chemicals in order to know the quality and advice on their proper use.
• Carry out chemical analysis of soil and be able to advice on construction and agricultural activities.
• Carry out research projects aimed at improving the quality of water in case where there is artificial or natural pollution.

Other activities being undertaken by the Division  include among others are the following:-

• The Water Quality and Ecosystem Management Component of the Lake Victoria Environment Management Project.
• The Water Defluoridation Project aimed at removing excessive fluoride from drinking water.
• Participation on the GEMS/WATER project (UNEP/WHO) and ISOTOPE (International Atomic Energy Agency) Programme.
• Participation on the NBI -Nile Transboundary Environment Action Project – Water Quality Activities
• Supporting on job training as well as short-term practical training to students from various Institutions of higher learning.