A REVIEW OF LIBERIA’S WATER RESOURCES: THE QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON FRESHWATER RESOURCES

A REVIEW OF LIBERIA’S WATER RESOURCES: THE QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON FRESHWATER RESOURCES

Abstract – Water quality is a major concern for humanity since it is closely linked to human well-being.

Freshwater resources are under increasing pressure in many parts of the world due to overuse and contamination from human
activities. Liberia’s situation is no exception.

This study attempts to investigate freshwater quality in Liberia and to identify freshwater resources management mechanisms and challenges associated with these mechanisms.

The methodology used was based on a documentary review in which secondary data was gathered through visiting online
libraries and reading published research papers and various books.

The data from those separate sources were compared and analyzed. Owing to the lack of primary data, no statistical software was employed for the analysis.

Findings from existing studies on the quality of freshwater resources showed that the quality has reduced over the past
years and as such it is not at an optimal level, the quality of freshwater has been affected mostly by Coliform bacteria contamination, heavy metal contamination, and fecal indicator bacteria.

These contaminations can be attributed to inadequate sanitation systems, flooding, mining activities, and the fast-developing agro industrial sector.

Freshwater resources are being managed through a traditional water management system. Water quality management tasks are
shared among several institutions.

This mechanism allows total involvement of the line Ministries in addressing water quality and management.

However, population growth in urban areas, the inadequacy of human resources capacities, and uncontrolled disposal of waste and water activities fragmented amongst ministries and institutions are challenges associated with freshwater management.

There is a need for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of freshwater resources, particularly the physical, chemical,
and biological variables is needed, an establishment of a proper sanitation system as well as establishing a single institution for the purpose of handling freshwater management.

Key Words: (freshwater, quality, management, surface water, groundwater, coliform, heavy metals)