The main objective of the surveys were to establish the baseline water quality in the basin using selected parameters, as well as determine baselines in water flows in dry and wet seasons. Selected water quality parameters included pH, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, Phosphates and Chlorophyll-a. 

Interestingly, despite all the threats to the quality of water within the basin, the surey results revealed that the water quality within the basin is in good standing. The results of the joint surveys resonated well with monitoring results from previous monitoring initiatives which also reported desirable quality of water  within the basin  except in very few localised areas, in particular the Boro River which is an outlet channel from the Okavango Delta. 

The results demonstrated that the water quality declined slightly from the upper part of the catchment to the lower part although parameters still remained within the desired ranges. In addition to the interesting result, one main outcome was that for the first time member states managed to assemble a team of technical experts (Water Resources Technical Committee – WRTC) who jointly conducted the water quality survey.

The three joint monitoring surveys generated useful data and  information that will adequately inform the development of a comprehensive basin-wide environmental  monitoring framework for the CORB. Furthermore, these joint surveys successfully built significant member states capacity to measure important water quality parameters, as well measurement of hydrological flows using an Acustic Doppler Curent Profiler (ADCP). It is also worth noting the trust and transparency among members of the WRTC who are now able to freely share information. Effective sharing of information and visits to various parts of the basin also cleared the long standing misconception among down stream communities who always attributed low flows to dams in the upper catchment despite the lack of dams in that part of the catchment.

For more information, please visit the website of the Commission.