The Water Research Institute (WRI) is one of the 13 institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It was formed in 1996 from the merger of the Institute of Aquatic Biology and the Water Resources Research Institute. WRI has a mandate to conduct research into water and related resources. WRI generates and provides scientific information, strategies and services toward the rational development, utilization and management of the water resources of Ghana in support of the socio–economic advancement of the country, especially in the agriculture, health, industry, energy, transportation, education and tourism sectors.

VISION
To become a centre of excellence in the provision of scientific research into water and related resources for sustainable socio-economic growth

MISSION
To conduct research into all aspect of water resources (both living and non-living) in order to provide scientific and technical information and services, as well as strategies for the sustainable development, utilization and management of such resources for the socio-economic advancement of the country

VALUES
Our core values include dedication to duty, commitment, loyalty to quality assurance and customer satisfaction

STATION/OFFICES OF CSIR WRI

• Main office in
  Accra - Greater Accra Region
• Branch office at
  Tamale - Northern Region
• Aquaculture
  Research and Development Centre (ARDEC) at Akosombo - Eastern Region

RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Research activities of the Institute include:

• Characterising low stream flows of rivers in Ghana
• Integrated assessment of sediment in the river basins
• Climate change and water resources management
• Technology for modern rainwater harvesting for households and small communities
• Protection works on coastal and shoreline erosion
• Design of urban drainage and flood control systems
• Exploitation of groundwater resources to meet domestic, agriculture and industrial water supply
• Preliminary geophysical investigation for the sitting of boreholes
• Assessment of groundwater resources and evaluation of recharge to aquifer systems
• Characterization and water quality assessments of inland rivers in Ghana
• Pesticide residue analyses in food crops and water
• Persistent organic pollutant analyses in vegetable growing areas of Ghana
• Industrial wastewater quality studies
• Analysis of metal levels in water, riverbed sediments and vegetables
• Control of Malaria and Onchocerciasis
• Control of Mosquitoes using biological control agents
• Control of obnoxious aquatic weeds in water bodies
• Improve hatchery facilities and techniques to increase mass production of tilapia and catfish fingerlings to meet the increasing demand by fish farmers in Ghana and the sub region
• Further research into the culture of other indigenous species e.g., prawns (Machrobrachium spp. and Chrysichtys spp.) which are of high commercial value
• Culture of brackish water species e.g., grey mullets and the black-chinned tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron which are common in estuaries and lagoons
• Promotion of cage and pen fish farming
• Fish feed formulation using local ingredients
• Training facilities (dormitory, library, etc.) at ARDEC Akosombo to enable commencement of on-farm training of fish farmers
• Documentation and distribution of fresh water fish species of Ghana
• Environmental Impact Assessment and watershed management
• Commercialization of research and development activities through consultancy and advisory services and the provision of water resources information, documentation and technical support services
• Training of students from polytechnics and universities
• Training of technicians to drill boreholes and test pumps
• Training of staff from the private and public institutions on water and wastewater analysis and environmental management