DOE: Belize River Water Quality Returns to Normal
The Department of the Environment says water quality in the Belize River has stabilized and returned to normal levels, more than a month after a fish kill event in early August prompted an ongoing investigation.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, the Department has spent recent weeks conducting water quality monitoring and sampling throughout the affected area. Results show key parameters, including nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, and Chemical Oxygen Demand, have returned to baseline levels recorded before the fish kill occurred.
The Department also confirmed that Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry testing conducted on fish organs did not detect any chemicals of concern.
Despite the improved results, the DOE says it will continue monitoring the river and ensure corrective actions and mitigation measures are implemented by stakeholders across the Belize River Watershed.
As part of a broader early-warning effort, the Department has installed a stationary water quality monitoring system at a strategic point along the Belize River, tracking key parameters every fifteen minutes and sending real-time data and alerts to the DOE when significant changes occur. A similar system is set to be installed on the New River within the coming month, with additional units planned for other critical waterways going forward.