Evaluation of seasonal groundwater quantity and quality variation in Malwathu Oya Basin

Abstract

Malwathu Oya is located in Anuradhapura district which has water quality and scarcity problem for drinking purpose. Samples were collected from selected locations which included upstream and downstream of Malwathu Oya basin. The samples were analyzed for conductivity, pH , turbidity , calcium, magnesium, fluoride, chloride and arsenic. Only shallow regolith aquifers are considered for the study. The quality variation of the area shows a considerable variation from southwest monsoon to second inter monsoon period. In general, water quality of the area is inacceptable limitd of drinking water for most of the basic parameters. With the seasonal changes, fluoride and chloride content is higher than permissible limits in some areas.