Functions Of The Water Resources Authority

This article focuses on the functions of the Water Resources Authority. Water Resources Authority (WRA) is a state corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. It was established under Section 11 of the Water Act of 2016 as a successor institution of the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA).

The Water Resources Authority is mandated to regulate the management and use of water resources in Kenya.

Functions Of The Water Resources Authority

1. It formulates standards, procedures and regulations to ensure proper management and use of water resources in Kenya.

2. It enforces the formulated regulations to ensure compliance through inspection, monitoring and enforcement.

3. The authority receives water permit applications for water abstraction, use, and recharge. It then issues water permits and enforces the conditions of those permits.

4. It determines and sets fees for water permits and water usage.

5. It collects water permit fees and water use charges

6. It regulates water use allocation in the country.

7. It coordinates with other regional, national and international bodies for better regulation of the management and use of water resources.

8. Through its laboratories, the agency carries out various tests on water ( domestic, irrigation, construction, research and wastewater ) to ensure that the water used for various applications meet prescribed guidelines.

9. It controls pollution and improves water quality in the country’s water bodies. This involves integrating land use activities into WRA Water Quality Control programs.

10. The Authority is responsible for conducting surface water assessment and monitoring.