Status of water supply wells in Jaffna peninsula

Abstract

Good quality drinking water is of primary importance for human health and well being since more than 80% of the diseases that affect humankind are water borne. In Jaffna Peninsula, groundwater is the only source of water for drinking and domestic purposes. Toxic chemicals are being found in drinking water supplies and they may be poising unacceptable human health risks for the people in the area. Karaveddy, Valvettithurai, Karainagar, Velanai, Kayts sump,Araly,Vaddukoddai, Chunnakam and Puttur water supply wells were tested for all physical, most of the importance chemical and bacteriological characters during January to December 2007 and compared with Sri Lankan drinking water standards. The analyses were made based on the Sri Lankan standards. out of tested wells, water supply wells at velanai, Puttur, chunnakam, valvettithurai and Kayts sump did not have water quality problem and can be used continuously for human consumption with monitoring. water supply wells at Karainagar and vaddukoddai were below permissible level of all physical and bacteriological properties except for some chemical properties during few months of the year. Hence extraction of water from above water supply wells could be extended but continuous monitoring of chemical characters is essential. Karaveddy ancl Araly wells are not suitable for drinking purpose because most of the chemical and physical characters of these wells exceed the Sri Lankan stranded levels. Hence, installation of purification plant or identification of a new supply source is recommended.