WERI presents at Technical Experts Workshop hosted by One-Guam Water Resources Information Program (OGWRIP)

The Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific (WERI) recently participated in the Technical Experts Workshop hosted by the One-Guam Water Resources Information Program (OGWRIP), bringing together representatives from GWA, USGS, GEPA, NAVFAC Marianas and other water-resource professionals.

The afternoon began with Miguel Bordallo, General Manager of GWA, who provided an overview and status update on OGWRIP and its data initiatives. The following presentations focused on monitoring PFAS, dieldrin, and other emerging contaminants in Guam’s water wells. Later sessions also included Michael Pavelko of USGS, guiding attendees through USGS data, models, and online resources.

A highlight of the workshop was Research Assistant Dannika Valerio’s presentation of the newly redesigned Guam Hydrologic Survey (GHS) website. The new website received a very positive response from attendees, particularly for its user-friendly interface and streamlined access to hydrologic databases, maps, and publications. Ms. Valerio also showcased MAppFx, one of the GHS website’s distinctive features, which brings maps, graphs, and water-resource data together through interactive and easy-to-use visualizations. Together, the redesigned GHS website and growing MAppFx Library demonstrate how hydrologic information can be made more accessible and useful for researchers, agencies, students, and the broader community.

The workshop also brought a special moment of recognition when Mr. Pavelko of USGS highlighted the work of Ms. Mary Clare Snaer, a recent graduate of WERI’s Environmental Science program. Her work analyzing Deep Observation Wells (DOWs) in the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer (NGLA) was praised for transforming extensive observation data into clear and effective visualizations. Her research examined data from nine DOWs to better understand changes and patterns within Guam’s freshwater lens. View her technical report here! Together, the enthusiastic response to Valerio’s GHS and MAppFx presentation and the recognition of Snaer’s research made for a strong showing at the workshop, highlighting the value of accessible data and effective scientific visualization in supporting Guam’s water-resource community.