Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) says seven additional water treatment plants are planned as the utility pushes to close remaining gaps in water quality and move the country closer to universal treated-water coverage.
The new facilities are expected under Phase Two of the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP), according to GWI.
Among them will be two major surface-water treatment plants at Diamond and Hope. The Diamond facility is expected to serve approximately 36,000 residents from Craig to Little Diamond, while the Hope plant will cater to another 35,000 residents from Cane Grove to Cove and John.
Five other plants are planned for Maria’s Delight, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bath and Adventure.
GWI disclosed the plans as it responded to recent public commentary about the state of Guyana’s potable water sector and the government’s introduction of subsidised bottle-refilling stations.
According to the utility, treated-water coverage has climbed from approximately 52 per cent to around 80 per cent over the past five years, while 98.6 per cent of the population now has access to potable water.
GWI said more than 200 wells were drilled during that period and over 200 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines installed.
Eight new water treatment plants have also been constructed under the CWTIP, while more than 13 existing plants have been rehabilitated or upgraded.
The utility acknowledged, however, that water-quality concerns remain in some communities, particularly those supplied by groundwater wells where customers have complained about elevated iron content.
“These concerns are not being dismissed,” GWI said, adding that continued investment in treatment facilities and supporting infrastructure is intended to address the remaining deficiencies.
The company also pointed to significant expansion in the Hinterland, where it said potable water coverage increased from approximately 46 per cent to 95 per cent as of 2026.
Meanwhile, GWI said 16 small water treatment plants have been installed in rural communities, with another six expected to be rolled out.
The utility maintained that despite remaining challenges, the investments form part of a longer-term effort to improve water quality and reliability as demand increases with Guyana’s population growth and expanding housing developments.
“As Guyana continues to develop, the demand for reliable and affordable water services will increase,” GWI said.
It added that efforts will continue to ensure the country’s water infrastructure keeps pace with national development and that underserved communities receive improved access.
