CEA to retest Colombo’s drinking water

The Central Environment Authority (CEA), which assured that there was no arsenic in the drinking water in Colombo, is again carrying out testing on drinking water to reconfirm the absence of arsenic to ensure public safety.

CEA Deputy Director-General Dr. Sanjaya Ratnayake told Daily FT that no arsenic had been detected in drinking water supplies after water analysis had been conducted by the CEA and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

“But both agencies will continue to retest water for arsenic. Water sources can be contaminated with sudden discharges of highly toxic chemicals and we continue testing water monthly for all chemicals and heavy metals,” he said, adding that there was no need for people to panic about drinking water as it was safe and free of arsenic and heavy metals.

According to the CEA, there are over 80 highly polluting factories along the Kelani River within the Colombo and Gampaha districts.

“The CEA has started monitoring affluent discharge of these industries from 4-23 September. Our officers check the proper functioning of the waste treatment plants in these industries. We mainly check for the precaution plans implemented by these industries in accidental waste disposals to avoid releasing chemicals to the Kelani River,” he explained.

Dr. Ratnayake said that there were provisions under the National Environmental Act to suspend or cancel the licenses of industries which pollute water resources. “We are keeping a sharp eye on these industries and if they are found polluting the Kelani River the CEA will take tough action against these industries,” he cautioned.

While requesting the residents not to throw garbage into the river and also avoid polluting river banks, he stressed the need for implementing a well-designed plan to get wide community participation to save the Kelani River. (SS)