Challenges Ahead in Groundwater of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Groundwater has been a safe water storage in Sri Lanka throughout history and the unique characteristics of different aquifers impact variation of the water quality. However, due to population growth, unplanned urbanization, intensive agriculture, improper waste management, etc., the groundwater quality is considered unsafe. Therefore, it is important to refer to the available data related to the groundwater quality of Sri Lanka. Saltwater intrusion is a considerable factor in shallow karstic aquifers and as a result, relatively higher electrical conductivity, water hardness, total alkalinity, and higher anions concentrations (chloride, sulfate) were observed in the Jaffna area. The dry zone including Padaviya and Hambanthota shows relatively higher water hardness and fluoride in groundwater. Nitrate concentration is also a considerable factor, especially in the Jaffna and Padaviya areas may be due to intensive agriculture. Identification of groundwater recharge zones, recharge estimates, continuous monitoring of groundwater quality, vulnerability mapping of aquifers, and proper planning of urbanization have been identified as challenges ahead in groundwater of Sri Lanka and it is essential to include those items in the National Water Policy in Sri Lanka.