Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right. For years, blessed by multiple natural water sources, clean water supply used to be abundant in Sri Lanka. However, in recent years, good quality water has become a scarce resource due to improper waste disposal and water drainage management. Moreover, several studies explicitly show us how agricultural pollution, industrial wastage, waste management, environmental degradation and other water contaminants have led to a water crisis and, more dangerously, a clean water shortage in Sri Lanka.

Water supply was essential to our ancestors, and every ancient civilization established itself around water sources. Our kings and ancestors in Sri Lanka also understood the importance of water supply. But, the earliest evidence of water treatment technologies dates back to 2000 B.C., as seen in ancient Greek and Sanskrit works, and they used charcoal, sand, and gravel to build their water filtration systems. Since then, humankind has understood not to rely on their senses to determine water quality and learned many methodologies to assess and improve it.

Humans have relied on water purification techniques to prevent waterborne diseases from ancient times. From boiling water to the first household water filter made out of charcoal, we have invented new ways to tackle this issue. Now, we have ample evidence that these household techniques don’t help improve water quality for daily use. And with the rising pollution and public health issues, it’s becoming more and more apparent why we need to purchase a water purifier system for our household.

Water is one of the priceless gifts of nature that no living being can survive without. Unfortunately, this nonrenewable resource is being polluted and exploited. The advancement of science and technology has made life easier in so many ways. However, while working towards various inventions and innovations, human beings failed to take the right step to conserve the environment and water resources. As a result, all living beings are at risk. PureHydro.IK Articles intends to discuss pollutions caused to several major waterbodies in Sri Lanka and how as a community, we have to stand against the massive pollution caused by industrial wastes. As Sri Lankan citizens, it is our collective responsibility to identify these issues and take necessary measures to overcome them.