Variation of Drinking Water Quality in Rural Areas of Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Due to the human activities, the natural water system gets contaminated with various chemical substances which can be harmful for the human health. In this research, it was attempted to find out the variation of drinkingwater quality in rural areas of Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. Five GramaNiladari (GN) divisions in Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division, were selected as the study area for this research. Seven water quality parameters were investigated in laboratory scale, which were basically divided in to physical and chemical parameters. Altogether 150 samples were collectedand all the parameters were investigated in the laboratory scaleunder the standard specifications given in SLS 614:2013 part 1. In this research, it was identified that Ibbagamuwa DS Divisionwas badly contaminated with water hardness (exceeded the standard limit of 200 mg/l). Further, several areas were identified as not suitable for drinking purposes. Most of the time, these unsuitable areas were reported around the Kibulwanaoya reservoir, one of the main irrigation reservoirs located inIbbagamuwa DS Division. This area was highly contaminated with chloride and fluoride iron. There were several places that were appropriately identified as safe for drinking purposes because all the water quality parameters in that area were within the standard limit. The areas with suitable water resources have been identified around the rocky areas. It was also identified that the ground water around the highly cultivated areas and irrigation reservoir were not in good condition. The design of separate maps for each water quality parameters were very important for people in this area. By referring these maps, they will be able to identify what are the suitable and unsuitable areas to take water for the purpose of drinking.