Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity and plentiful water resources are a true gift. According to the World Bank, we benefit from a vast network of rivers and enjoy relatively low salinity levels in freshwater resources. The World Wildlife Fund recognises us as one of the top 10 globally, highlighting the richness of our ecosystems, especially considering the island's relatively small size.
Unfortunately, we face a significant environmental challenge caused by using public wells and natural water sources to wash clothes. This is primarily because of the economic constraints and the need for access to private water facilities. The widespread practice of washing clothes in rivers and streams can introduce harmful chemicals like phosphates and nitrates, in turn affecting the water quality.
Degradation of the water quality
One of the most immediate impacts of using soaps and chemicals in rivers and wells is the deterioration of the water quality. These substances can disrupt the pH (acidity or basicity) balance of the water, making it harder for aquatic life to survive. Moreover, the surfactants in soaps can reduce the water's surface tension, affecting the breeding patterns of aquatic insects and the ability of fish to obtain oxygen. Over the years, the Kelani River, one of the country's most important water bodies, supplying water to the common capital, Colombo, has become increasingly polluted from industrial waste and domestic activities, including washing clothes with chemical detergents. This has led to water quality related issues affecting tens of thousands of residents who rely on it daily.
Harm to aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of foreign chemicals. Soap and detergents can lead to eutrophication, a process in which water bodies become overly enriched with minerals and nutrients, leading to algae growth. This algae bloom blocks sunlight from reaching other plants, depletes oxygen levels in the water, and can result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. The decrease in biodiversity can have long-lasting effects on the ecological balance of these water bodies.
In rural areas, such as those surrounding the Mahaweli River, the country's longest river, there have been reports of decreased fish populations and biodiversity loss. These changes have been partly attributed to the influx of pollutants from domestic washing, which introduces toxic substances into the water. Fish and other aquatic life are sensitive to changes in their habitat, and introducing chemicals can lead to lethal and sub-lethal effects, disrupting local ecosystems.
Impact on human health
The contamination of water sources with soap and chemicals poses significant health risks to communities relying on these sources for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Chemicals in soaps can include phosphates, bleach, ammonium, and other substances harmful to human health. Over time, exposure to or consuming water contaminated with these chemicals can lead to skin irritations, gastrointestinal issues, and more severe health conditions.
Communities living near polluted water sources, like those around the Gin River and the Nilwala River, have reported higher incidences of skin diseases and gastrointestinal problems. These health issues are often linked to using contaminated water for washing and bathing. The chemicals from soaps can persist in the water, posing a risk to human health when communities have no choice but to use these sources for their daily needs.
Soil contamination and agricultural impact
The runoff from washing activities does not just stay in the water. It can seep into the soil, in turn affecting agricultural land. This can lead to the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the soil, altering its composition and fertility. Crops irrigated with contaminated water can absorb these chemicals, potentially affecting crop yields and the health of those who consume these products.
Agricultural lands near water bodies like the Deduru Oya have experienced reduced fertility and crop yields, which are linked to soil contamination from polluted water used for irrigation. This runoff water, contaminated with chemicals from domestic washing, seeps into the soil, affecting its health and the health of crops. Farmers in these areas have observed changes in soil quality and plant growth, indicating the broader environmental impact of such practices.
Wildlife and plant life
Sri Lanka's ecological diversity is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, facing significant threats due to the influx of pollutants entering their habitats. These pollutants are causing unprecedented damage to the ecosystem's natural balance, potentially causing long-term harm to the island's biodiversity.
Mangrove forests
Sri Lanka was recently recognised as one of the best examples of large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration in any country or region. However, these crucial barriers across the country are under siege from the runoff carrying soap and chemicals, leading to the degradation of these ecosystems. The altered water and soil chemistry threatens the very survival of various mangrove species, jeopardising the myriad life forms that they support.
Paddy fields
As a cornerstone of Sri Lankan agriculture, paddy fields depend heavily on water for irrigation. Contaminated water, laden with harmful chemicals from laundry practices, seeps into these fields, adversely affecting the growth of rice plants. The result is not just a decline in crop quality and yield but a threat to the food security of the entire nation.
Freshwater fish
Out of the 95 freshwater fish species in the country, 53 are endemic and 41% of all known fish species in Sri Lanka are found in freshwater. Further, there is about 70% of endemism in those fish. Most of them are listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories. Iconic species like the Mahseer (Tor Khudree) in the Mahaweli River and other endemic species struggle for survival as pollutants deplete oxygen levels and introduce toxins into their habitats. These conditions compromise fish health, reproduction, and their existence.
Aquatic invertebrates
The backbone of marine ecosystems, including snails and shrimp, suffer from the toxic effects of chemical pollution. Their struggle to survive and reproduce disrupts the food web and nutrient cycling, further destabilising these aquatic ecosystems.
Birds
Birds such as Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, and Purple Heron rely on clean water. Pollution diminishes the quality of their habitats and food sources, forcing many species to face an uncertain future as their feeding grounds vanish.
Amphibians
The island's unique amphibians, many of which are endemic and already facing threats from habitat loss, are now confronted with an additional challenge. Pollutants from washing activities jeopardise their breeding grounds, leading to a decline in populations through direct toxicity and interference with reproductive cycles.
If using soaps and chemicals in public wells and natural water sources for washing clothes continues unchecked in Sri Lanka, the consequences for the country's ecosystems could be far-reaching and potentially irreversible. Knowing that this is a threat to its natural beauty, biodiversity, and the health of its people, one cannot help but wonder what the future holds. Will our beautiful island chart a course toward sustainability and conservation, or will it continue down the path of ecological decline? The answer lies in our actions today, leaving us on the edge of our seats, awaiting the next chapter in Sri Lanka's environmental saga.
(The writer is an electronics engineer with a background in information technology and sustainability)
–---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.