Oct 10, 2026
3 min read
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has defended its G$100 five-gallon water refills amid criticism that households still face problems with tap-water quality and pressure despite increased government funding.
In a recent commentary, journalist Gordon Moseley questioned the need for GWI to establish refilling stations when some households continue to experience problems with the water supplied through their taps.
Moseley argued that residents should not have to purchase drinking water at the stations while also paying monthly water bills, particularly when concerns remain about the quality and pressure of their household supply.
He also questioned whether improvements in GWI’s service reflect the increase in government funding.
According to Moseley’s calculation, government allocations to GWI totalled G$95.6 billion over six years, excluding supplementary provisions. He called for greater accountability in measuring the results of that investment.
Moseley further warned that the refilling stations could threaten small community businesses that have invested in water distribution, particularly after being encouraged to enter the sector.
Responding to the criticism, GWI said the stations provide an affordable option for residents who regularly purchase drinking water, especially low-income families.
“The establishment of these facilities is a public-service initiative designed to make purified drinking water more affordable and accessible to citizens,” the utility said in a statement.
GWI said the stations complement its wider programme to improve water services. However, its statement did not outline specific measures to address the potential impact on private vendors.
The utility also defended its record of expanding access. It reported potable-water access of approximately 98.6 per cent, while putting treated-water coverage at around 80 per cent, up from about 52 per cent over the past five years.
GWI said more than 200 wells have been drilled and over 200 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines installed during that period, extending supply to underserved communities and new housing developments.
It also reported the construction of eight new treatment plants and the rehabilitation or upgrading of more than 13 existing facilities.
In the hinterland, the utility said access to potable water increased from approximately 46 per cent to 95 per cent as of 2026.
Despite those gains, GWI acknowledged complaints about elevated iron content in water supplied by groundwater wells in some communities.
“These concerns are not being dismissed,” the utility said, adding that further investment in treatment facilities is needed to improve water quality and service consistency.
The second phase of its Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme includes plans for seven new treatment plants at Diamond, Hope, Maria’s Delight, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bath and Adventure.
GWI said the planned Diamond facility will serve approximately 36,000 residents from Craig to Little Diamond, while the Hope facility will serve about 35,000 residents from Cane Grove to Cove and John.
The utility also reported completing the installation of 16 small treatment plants in rural communities, with plans to roll out another six.
While GWI acknowledged iron-content complaints and outlined further treatment projects, its statement did not directly address Moseley’s concerns about household water pressure or paying for refills alongside monthly water bills.
