Sri Lanka's Water Crisis: Pollution's Devastating Impact

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, with far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health. The country's water resources are under increasing pressure from economic development, population growth, industrialization, and agricultural activities. As a result, Sri Lanka's water bodies, including its rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, are contaminated with a range of pollutants, threatening both human health and the country's fragile ecosystems. This paragraph will explore the extent and impact of water pollution in Sri Lanka, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management and pollution control measures.

Sources of water pollution

Industrial Waste

The Kelani River, for example, is heavily polluted because it flows through industrial areas. Industrial waste, treated or untreated, is often discharged into the river. Industrialisation and urbanisation are major drivers of environmental issues in Sri Lanka.

Sewage

Inland surface waters in urban areas are heavily polluted with domestic sewage. In addition, the discovery of Salmonella sp. pathogenic bacteria from the Dehiwala canal and Rathmalana sampling locations has drawn attention.

Agricultural Runoff

In rural areas, inland surface waters are polluted with agricultural runoff. The heavy use of pesticides and fertilisers also pollutes groundwater and surface water. Large-scale logging of forests and the degradation of mangroves, coral reefs, and soil are other environmental issues caused by the implementation of agriculture and aquaculture systems.

Oil Spills

Oil spills, dumping of waste from ships, coral and sand mining, and similar activities are the main causes of marine pollution in the country.

Population Growth

Population growth has led to increased consumption, which has resulted in higher rates of soil erosion and soil degradation. The growth has also led to increased automobile use and energy consumption, contributing to air pollution.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant contributor to Sri Lanka's economy, but it can also put a strain on marine ecosystems, primarily due to pollution.

Water pollution's impact on health

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, with a range of contaminants affecting the country's water sources. From agrochemicals and heavy metals to plastics and pathogens, the pollution of water has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human health.

The impact of water pollution on human health is significant and wide-ranging. Firstly, water pollution can lead to an increased prevalence of waterborne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe drinking water is responsible for 80% of the world's diseases and 50% of child deaths globally. Contaminated water can harbour dangerous bacteria, leading to diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio. Inadequate management of wastewater, particularly in urban areas, contributes to this issue, with domestic sewage and industrial effluents polluting water sources.

In addition to waterborne diseases, water pollution has been linked to various health conditions. For instance, the consumption of water contaminated with chemical toxins, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals, can result in serious health problems. Microplastics, formed from the breakdown of plastic pollution, can be ingested through drinking water or contaminated seafood, potentially causing oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, water pollution has been associated with skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer. The presence of fecal contaminants and pathogenic bacteria in water sources further exacerbates these health risks.

The impact of water pollution on human health extends beyond physical ailments. Inadequate access to clean drinking water can result in reduced economic productivity, as individuals spend significant time and effort collecting water from distant or risky sources. This can also impact personal safety and increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, water-related diseases disproportionately affect children, leading to higher rates of school absenteeism and long-term consequences for their health and education.

The environmental consequences of water pollution also have indirect impacts on human health. For example, the destruction of Sri Lanka's mangrove forests, which provide protection against floods, can increase the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events and sea-level rise. Additionally, the degradation of water sources near hydropower plants can affect energy production, impacting public health and economic development.

While the specific data on the impact of water pollution on health in Sri Lanka may be limited, the available evidence suggests that it is a significant issue. The country's ranking of 173rd in the 2020 Ocean Health Index indicates a worsening marine ecosystem, which likely has repercussions for human health. The presence of fecal coliform and pathogenic bacteria in coastal waters, as well as the pollution of inland surface waters, underscores the urgency of addressing water pollution to mitigate health risks for Sri Lanka's population.

Water pollution in lakes and rivers

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, with a range of factors contributing to the contamination of the country's lakes and rivers. Domestic activities, industrial processes, and agricultural practices are the primary sources of water pollution in the country.

Lakes in Sri Lanka are polluted by sewage, vegetable waste, and hospital waste. This pollution triggers algal blooms, which reduce oxygen levels and harm fish populations. The presence of sewage indicates fecal contamination, posing significant health risks to nearby communities.

The Kelani River, for example, is heavily polluted due to its passage through industrial areas. Untreated or treated industrial waste is commonly discharged into the river, and dumpsites located nearby further degrade water quality. The river's pollution extends downstream, contributing to the deterioration of seawater where it empties into the sea.

Agricultural practices also play a role in river pollution. Large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture find their way into rivers and lakes, impacting both groundwater and surface water. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where agricultural runoff is a significant concern.

In addition to the direct discharge of industrial and agricultural waste, storm run-offs from waste dumps further contaminate the water bodies. These run-offs carry a range of pollutants, including pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste, into the rivers and lakes, exacerbating the pollution challenge.

The impact of water pollution extends beyond the immediate ecological consequences. Water-borne and vector-borne diseases are on the rise, particularly affecting urban low-income communities with inadequate sanitary facilities and drainage systems. Despite government efforts and legislation, progress in combating water pollution has been slow, underscoring the urgent need for effective enforcement and sustainable solutions.

Water pollution in coastal areas

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, with a range of sources contributing to the degradation of water quality, particularly in coastal areas. The Western-Southern coastal area, encompassing the city of Colombo and home to over 40% of the country's population, is a significant hotspot for water pollution.

A diverse array of factors, including agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial effluents, and tourism-related activities, have led to the contamination of coastal waters. Fecal coliform, indicating faecal contamination, has been detected in almost all coastal waterways. High levels of Tributyltin (TBT) pollution, particularly in fishery harbours, pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health.

The country's mangrove forests, which play a crucial role in protecting coastal areas and providing various resources for local communities, have been decimated due to the expansion of agriculture and aquaculture. Shrimp aquaculture projects, driven by high demand and profits, have emerged as a significant threat to mangroves, further exacerbating coastal water pollution.

Inadequate waste management, especially in rural areas, contributes to environmental pollution. Rivers, such as the Kelani River, bear the brunt of industrial waste, with untreated effluents being discharged directly into the water bodies. Additionally, pesticides, fertilizers, and runoff from waste dumps further deteriorate coastal and marine waters.

The Western Province, from Negombo to Bentota, has been a focal point for assessing water pollution. Studies have revealed high levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), indicating gross organic and inorganic pollution. While some parameters like temperature, pH, and salinity have been within permissible limits, the overall water quality in coastal areas remains a concern.

Legislation and initiatives to combat water pollution

While regulations are available to control most water-related issues in Sri Lanka, the enforcement of these regulations is lacking. Despite government initiatives and legislation, progress in combating water pollution has been slow.

The primary issues concerning water resources in Sri Lanka are depletion and degradation caused by anthropogenic activities. Surface inland waters in urban areas are heavily polluted with domestic sewage and industrial effluents, while in rural areas, agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to water pollution.

The Green Climate Fund-financed Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is a government initiative implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). CRIWMP aims to revive Sri Lanka's cascade system for water resilience by incorporating modern technologies, climate-resilient infrastructure, and climate information services to enhance climate resilience and create a more sustainable dry-zone ecosystem.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also been working with the government to address the water crisis through integrated water resource management. This includes initiatives for greater investments in rural water infrastructure and regular assessments of water productivity to enhance knowledge and implement equitable water allocation policies.

Additionally, as the host of the fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, Sri Lanka aims to contribute to the outcome of the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly in 2024, which focuses on "Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution."

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