The Water & Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific (WERI) hosted the WERI–GLE Guam Hydrologic Survey (GHS) Workshop 2025, bringing together scientists, agency partners, and students to share the latest research on Guam’s water resources.

At the 10th Assembly of Planners Symposium, WERI faculty Dr. Nathan Habana, Dr. Barry Kim, and Dr. Chris Yeo shared new research supporting Guam’s sustainable future—from high-resolution watershed mapping to pressing water quality challenges and innovative engineering solutions.

Dr. Nathan Habana, a hydrologist at WERI, led an insightful presentation at the annual Educators Symposium hosted by the Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District. Held at the Guam Museum, Dr. Habana and WERI research assistants introduced teachers to Guam’s Northern Lens Aquifer through interactive tools like WebMApp and MAppFx—designed to bring hydrologic data and water quality science directly into the classroom.

Dr. Nathan Habana, a hydrologist at WERI  presented an updated map  to the committee. The map reveals previously unknown watersheds and rivers, significantly enhancing the committee’s understanding of the region. This breakthrough imagery will be invaluable in further exploring and protecting Guam’s natural water systems.

Two WERI graduate students, Mr. Risel Uludong and Ms. Mary Clare Snaer, shared their research on the groundwater protection zones and deep observation wells data analysis, respectively. During the awards ceremony, Ms. Clare was granted the NIWR Travel Award for the Oceania and Islands Region.

The annual tour for the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer made its comeback on May, 2, 2025 and saw a crowd of attendees from various local agencies such as GWA, NOAA/NWS, NGSWCD, EA Engineering and NAVFAC Marianas.

WERI kicks off the Guam Rocks! show at Ritidian’s National Wildlife Refuge as part of a series of student field trips running from April to May.

In today’s era of Big Data, Ms. Valerio emphasized the growing importance of accessible and centralized water resource data to support researchers, water managers, and agencies responsible for protecting and producing Guam’s water. MAppFx isn’t just a platform—it’s a leap forward in making Guam’s hydrologic data more connected, more useful, and more impactful for the future of water sustainability in the Marianas.

Dr. Nathan Habana, a hydrologist at the University of Guam’s Water and Environmental Research Institute (WERI), unveiled groundbreaking updates to the Surface Hydrology of Southern Guam project during the Guam Educators Conservation Summit (GECS), which was hosted by WERI’s longtime partner, the Guam Soil and Water Conservation District (GSWCD).

WERI’s rock show was brought to a career day at a local elementary school. Students learned about Guam’s geology and the NGLA through live demos and interactive games. WERI had a great time showcasing their work and is appreciative of the opportunity to connect, spark curiosity and excitement for science, and inspire the next generation in STEM.

Dr. Habana presented an updated map of southern Guam watersheds done in collaboration with Dr. Underwood from the Kumision I Fino’ CHamoru at the Watershed Planning Committee meeting on Mar. 12, 2025. In the future, WERI plans to combine this map with the maps of northern Guam for a comprehensive map of Guam.

Become a part of the Information Management team at WERI! Requirements: Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at UOG. Less than 3 years of relevant experience. Most of all—willing to learn and assist with information management goals and objectives.

WERI hosted a collaborative research workshop with Changwon National University’s (CWNU) Global Learning & Academic research institution for Master’s, PhD students and Postdocs (G-LAMP) on Jan. 16, 2025 with presentations on various research areas. An MOU signing ceremony took place on Jan. 17, followed by a tour of the NGLA.

Starting OCTOBER 1, 2023, the WERI WATER QUALITY LABORATORY (WERI WQL) will implement new rates for all testing services.
Please refer to the WERI WQL Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date pricing information.