The Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), located at the University of the Virgin Islands, has qualified for recertification by the U.S. Geological Survey –– a move that will enable UVI to continue to receive federal grants from the USGS to conduct water resources research.
According to Dr. Henry H. Smith, UVI's vice provost for Research and Public Service and director of the WRRI, the Water Resources Research Institute had to undergo an extensive review process in order to qualify for recertification.
"Recertification is important because it shows that the work that we are doing meets national standards set by the U.S. Geological Survey," Smith said. "It adds credibility to the program and opens the door for a lot more research opportunities."
The WRRI, a unit of UVI's Research and Public Service component, is part of a federally supported national network of 54 research institutes that comprise the USGS Water Resources Institute Program. Each institute looks for ways to resolve local, state and national water resources problems.
Among the projects the V.I. WRRI has been involved in is nonpoint source pollution control — protecting coastal waters, beaches and coral reefs from erosion. The V.I. WRRI also gathers data for flood management plans.
A national panel evaluated a very detailed report the V.I. WRRI prepared and found that the institute was effective in addressing, through applied research and demonstration projects, the very unique water problems of the Virgin Islands.
The V.I. WRRI was established in 1973 and through its research, information dissemination and training programs has addressed a wide range of local water issues including cistern water quantity and quality, wastewater disposal and ground water development.
For more information on the V.I. Water Resources Research Institute call 693-1063.