Investigation of water quality and prospective issues in Kurunegala municipal council area

Abstract

The prime objective ofthis study is investigatingthe existing status of water quality and related health issues,caused by the contaminated water. The resultsrevealed that the pH value of the collected two water samplesfrom the North East Grama Niladari Division (GND) of Kurunegala Municipal Council (KMC)area shows as6.36and 6.40, whichare below the required standards. Similarly, WestGND5.95and 6.21, Theliyagonna GND6.48 and 5.75, North 6.0, Illuppugedara6.21and 6.44and Udawalpola5.31.Accordingly, the lowest pH value was observed in the Udawalpola GNDs. The EC value of two water samples,taken from westGND reached to 1167𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚and 1552𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚, which are beyond the standard and undesirable levelfor consumption. Further samples collected fromthe North (1073𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚) and illupugedara(1156𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚& 1521𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚)GNDs recorded unfavorable results in terms of its EC value. This situationcreates multifarious health and other issuesto the dwellers of KMC area. KMC must understand the necessity of an integratedsystem to control and manage water quality of the area and to find a sustainable solution.