Our Mandate
To conduct needs-based research in water and the environment to improve people's livelihoods by promoting low-cost technologies utilizing local materials. Our work aims to protect the environment from pollution and ensure the safety of water for drinking.
Our Core Values
We uphold integrity, professionalism, accountability, credibility, teamwork, and innovativeness at all levels of operation, ensuring quality results by adhering to the institute's ISO17025:2017 quality policy.
Our Expertise
A team of qualified researchers with expertise in Microbiology, Chemistry, Water Engineering, and Hydrology, dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions for water and environmental challenges.
About the Water & Environment Research Centre (WERC)
The Water, Energy & Environment department, operating through the Water & Environment Research Centre (WERC), is Zambia's leading research hub for sustainable resource management. Established in 2002, WERC has a team of qualified and competent researchers and laboratory staff with the mandate to conduct research and offer consultancy and analytical services in water and the environment.
Our state-of-the-art laboratories are equipped with advanced water quality analyzers, solar testing facilities, and environmental monitoring instruments. Our expert team of hydrologists, energy engineers, and ecologists collaborates with local and international partners to address Zambia's most pressing environmental challenges. Our mark of excellence is in upholding our core values and ensuring quality results by adhering to the institute's quality policy, which fulfils the requirements of the international standard ISO17025:2017.
Consultancy & Analytical Services
Water Quality Testing
We provide comprehensive water quality testing services to a wide range of clients, from individual private water scheme providers to large mining companies. Our analyses cover:
- Microbiological Parameters: Total coliforms, E. coli, and other pathogens.
- Wet Chemistry: Physicochemical analysis including pH, turbidity, hardness, heavy metals, and more.
Other Services
- Consultancy: Expert advice on water treatment, environmental impact assessments, and resource management.
- Internships: Practical training opportunities for students to gain hands-on laboratory experience.
- Laboratory Demonstrations: Educational sessions for academic institutions to demonstrate advanced analytical techniques.
Department in Action
Water Quality Laboratory
See our advanced water testing and analysis facilities
Solar Energy Research
Testing photovoltaic systems for rural electrification
Research Activities
Water Quality Analysis
Physicochemical and microbiological testing
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic system optimization
Environmental Monitoring
Air and water quality assessment
Biomass Energy
Sustainable biofuel research
Past Projects
Kafue River Basin Assessment (2020-2025)
Comprehensive water quality and flow monitoring of the Kafue River, establishing baseline data for sustainable management.
Rural Solar Mini-Grids (2019-2024)
Designed and deployed 15 solar mini-grids in rural communities, providing clean energy to over 10,000 households.
Miombo Woodland Conservation (2018-2023)
Developed sustainable management plans for Miombo woodlands, balancing conservation with community needs.
Current Research Projects
Groundwater Recharge and Climate Change
Lead: Dr. Banda · Started Jan 2026 · Expected completion: Dec 2028
Modeling groundwater recharge rates under different climate change scenarios in the Barotse sub-basin.
Affordable Solar Home Systems
Lead: Dr. Mulenga · Started Mar 2025 · Expected completion: Aug 2027
Developing low-cost, high-efficiency solar home systems using locally available components.
Plastic Waste to Energy
Lead: Dr. Phiri · Started Feb 2026 · Expected completion: Mar 2029
Pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into fuel oil and charcoal for industrial use.
Recent Publications
Banda K., Mulenga C., et al. (2026). "Climate change impacts on groundwater recharge in the Barotse sub-basin, Zambia." Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 45, 101-118.
Mulenga C., Phiri S. (2025). "Performance evaluation of low-cost solar home systems under Zambian conditions." Renewable Energy, 215, 119-132.
Phiri S., Banda K. (2025). "Pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste for fuel production: A case study from Lusaka." Journal of Environmental Management, 335, 117-129.