Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Aims: To analyze a number of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of raw and treated water of water purification plant in Dunumadalawa forest reserve in Kandy, Sri Lanka to ensure the continuous supply of clean and safe drinking water for nearby residents.

Study Design: A number of physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters such as colour, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, free ammonia, nitrates, total phosphates, fluorides, total iron and the presence of coliforms/ Escherichia coli were tested in water samples collected at six different stages of drinking water purification process.

Place of Study: Dunumadalawa forest reserve in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Methodology: Testing of water samples collected from six different stages of purification process was carried out. The obtained values of each parameter were compared with the standard values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) for drinking water quality.

Results: The values of each physicochemical parameter of collected samples were found to be within the maximum permissible limits set by the World Health Organization and Sri Lanka Standards while for few samples a slightly deviated values from the standards were obtained. All samples were negative for E. coli, which indicated that the water is not faecally contaminated.

Conclusion: There are no major problems associated with the existing water purification plant functioning at present in the forest reserve and the purified water is certainly safe for drinking purposes.