Water in Nuwara Eliya’s Gregory Lake has reached a level of pollution that could pose a serious risk to human health if consumed, according to findings presented by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).
Nuwara Eliya District Coordinating Committee Chairman and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera Arachchi said the findings were presented by the CEA at a recent District Development Committee meeting.
He said Gregory Lake, which was originally designed during the British colonial period to receive water from several smaller reservoirs, is now severely polluted.
According to the MP, the silting of the smaller reservoirs over the years has resulted in pesticides, fertilisers, other chemicals and waste from surrounding agricultural areas flowing into Gregory Lake and altering its water composition.
CEA data showed that the phosphate level in the lake had reached 1.04 milligrams, compared with the normal level of 0.20 milligrams in water, Suraweera Arachchi said.
He warned that the deterioration in water quality required urgent attention to prevent further environmental damage and potential risks to public health.
Mohan Thursday, 27 August 2026 12:16 PM
Umar Perera Friday, 28 August 2026 01:09 AM
Labby Friday, 28 August 2026 04:00 AM
Why isn't anyone talking about the utter pollution of the Beira Lake in Colombo? No Authority seems to be taking responsibility for it. Well done Clean Sri Lanka!
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