Author name: prudence

The demand for environmental goods such as safe food, clean air and safe drinking water is often low in developing countries. It is clear that  one of the major causes of low demand is poverty, which reflects choices made by individuals in their own best interests. Poor quality of drinking water is a major health hazard in developing countries and most of the fatal diseases are associated with it especially among the children.  Sri Lankan Context : Ground Water Hardness Sri Lanka’s continued efforts to improve its social development indicators have placed the country ahead of most other South Asian countries. Provision of drinking water supply is a government priority and targets have been set periodically with regards to population access to safe drinking water. On a nation- wide basis, piped water systems and protected wells deliver safe water to almost 90% of the urban population and 60% of the rural population. Piped water is supplied to 31% of the population at present which is over 6 million people. Tube wells provide water to a population of more than 2 million (10% percent). In addition, 27 percent of the population living in rural areas has been provided with safe drinking water through protected dug wells. Accordingly, 90 percent of the urban population and 60 percent of the rural population are provided with safe drinking water facilities. Challenges in Ground Water Quality Image courtesy: NWSDB Sri Lanka   Above map shows the hardness distribution of groundwater in Sri Lanka. Over 60% of groundwater in Sri Lanka exceeds 200 PPM, the hardness level literally not safe for drinking. Hence groundwater hardness level severely challenges the goals set by governing authorities towards safe water for the people.  Water Purification for Hard Water Hardness is explained by the occurrence of Calcium and Magnesium Compounds; carbonates and bicarbonates in water. Water softening through Ion exchange resins is the most efficient method available globally. In this process Ca2+ and Mg2+ exchange ions to Na+ or H+. Cation exchange resin is mainly designed for the industrial water softening and demineralization applied in power plant etc., also can be used in house-hold water conditioning equipment. The required capacity of the softener system is purely depending on Hardness level of water and daily capacity (water consumption).

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of communities around the world. However, not all water is safe to drink, and it is important to purify water to remove contaminants and ensure that it is safe for consumption. There are many sources of water contamination, including industrial and agricultural pollutants, untreated sewage, and natural contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. These contaminants can cause serious health problems, including diarrhea, cholera, and other waterborne diseases. Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. There are several methods of water purification, including boiling, filtration, and chemical treatment. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the most appropriate method will depend on the specific contaminants present in the water and the resources available. Boiling water is a simple and effective method of purification that can be used in any situation. It works by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present in the water. To purify water using this method, bring the water to a rolling boil and continue boiling for one minute. Filtration is another common method of water purification. It works by removing particles and contaminants from the water using a physical barrier, such as a filter or membrane. There are many types of filters available, including those made from ceramic, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. Filters can be used to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Chemical treatment is another method of water purification that involves adding chemicals to the water to kill or remove contaminants. Commonly used chemicals include chlorine, iodine, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Chemical treatment is often used in combination with other methods, such as filtration, to provide a more complete level of purification. While water purification is an important step in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, it is not a foolproof solution. In some cases, water may still contain contaminants that are not removed by the purification process. It is therefore important to also monitor water quality regularly to ensure that it meets health standards. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is a global challenge, and it is especially important in developing countries where infrastructure and resources may be limited. Providing clean water to communities can have a significant impact on public health and quality of life. It can also help to reduce poverty and promote economic development by improving access to education and health care. In addition to the benefits for public health and economic development, water purification also has environmental benefits. By removing contaminants from water, we can help to protect aquatic ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of our waterways. In conclusion, water purification is an essential process for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. By using appropriate purification methods, we can help to protect public health and the environment, and ensure that everyone has access to safe and healthy water.

Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems around the world. However, not all water is safe to drink, and it is important to purify water to remove contaminants and ensure that it is safe for consumption. There are many sources of water contamination, including industrial and agricultural pollutants, untreated sewage, and natural contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. These contaminants can cause serious health problems, including diarrhea, cholera, and other waterborne diseases. Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. There are several methods of water purification, including boiling, filtration, and chemical treatment. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the most appropriate method will depend on the specific contaminants present in the water and the resources available. Boiling water is a simple and effective method of purification that can be used in any situation. It works by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present in the water. To purify water using this method, bring the water to a rolling boil and continue boiling for one minute. Filtration is another common method of water purification. It works by removing particles and contaminants from the water using a physical barrier, such as a filter or membrane. There are many types of filters available, including those made from ceramic, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. Filters can be used to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Chemical treatment is another method of water purification that involves adding chemicals to the water to kill or remove contaminants. Commonly used chemicals include chlorine, iodine, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Chemical treatment is often used in combination with other methods, such as filtration, to provide a more complete level of purification. While water purification is an important step in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, it is not a foolproof solution. In some cases, water may still contain contaminants that are not removed by the purification process. It is therefore important to also monitor water quality regularly to ensure that it meets health standards. In addition to ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, water purification also has environmental benefits. By removing contaminants from water, we can help to protect aquatic ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of our waterways. In conclusion, water purification is an essential process for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. By using appropriate purification methods, we can help to protect public health and the environment, and ensure that everyone has access to safe and healthy water.

Water Quality in Sri Lanka: Challenges & Solutions Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in the well-being of communities and ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, water quality is a major concern as it can have significant impacts on public health, agriculture, and the environment. One of the main issues facing water quality in Sri Lanka is pollution. Industrial and agricultural activities, as well as untreated sewage, can contaminate water sources with harmful chemicals and pathogens. These contaminants can have serious health consequences, including diarrhea, cholera, and other waterborne diseases. Another issue is the overuse of water resources. In many areas of Sri Lanka, demand for water exceeds the supply, leading to over extraction and depletion of groundwater. This can cause serious problems for farmers and communities that rely on these resources for irrigation and drinking water. In addition, climate change is also having an impact on water quality in Sri Lanka. Changes in weather patterns and sea levels can lead to more frequent and severe floods and droughts, which can contaminate water sources and make them less reliable. To address these issues, it is important for the government and other stakeholders to implement effective policies and strategies to protect and manage water resources. This can include investing in infrastructure to treat sewage and industrial waste, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and conserving water through measures such as water conservation and efficiency programs. It is also crucial to engage with local communities and involve them in decision-making processes related to water management. This can help to ensure that water resources are used responsibly and sustainably, and that the needs and concerns of local people are taken into account. There are also a number of organizations and initiatives working to improve water quality in Sri Lanka. These include the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, which is responsible for providing safe and reliable water to communities across the country, and the International Water Management Institute, which conducts research and provides technical assistance to support water management and development in Sri Lanka and other countries. Overall, addressing the water quality issues in Sri Lanka will require a multifaceted approach that involves the government, communities, and other stakeholders working together to protect and manage water resources. By taking action now, it is possible to ensure that water is available and safe for all, now and in the future.