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Water pollution in Malawi |
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by Clement Kandodo | 21-04-2017 05:01
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In Malawi, 22% of the countrys surface area is covered by water, rivers and wetlands Malawi has a significant amount of water in its lakes and rivers. Lake Malawi, Africas second largest natural lake, covers 19 % of Malawis total area. While groundwater quality is generally acceptable throughout the country, many surface water sources are polluted or under pressure from deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, settlements, mining, industry, commerce, tourism and climate change (flooding and droughts). Soil erosion caused by deforestation increases sediment loads in rivers that alters directions or restricts river flow, causing flooding and water pollution. Agricultural chemicals, such as inorganic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, increase nutrient levels in lakes and river, causing the proliferation of algal blooms. Effluents and solid waste from small and large companies are often dumped into water bodies due to insufficient waste disposal mechanisms. For example, the chemical values in Lilongwe and Mudi Rivers, the main water sources supporting Malawis two largest cities, have been measured above safe limits. Large populations in informal urban settlements with low access to sanitation facilities pose a great health risk to the local residents.
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6 Comments
thanks for sharing
Posted 06-02-2018 22:35
good one
Posted 06-02-2018 22:34
Clement, thank you for your report. I am amazed that such a large area is covered with water. It is wonderful that the water pollution does not seem that serious, but I wonder the reason. You mentioned that there are companies that dump wastes into river, but how come Malawi??s water is above safe limits?
Posted 23-04-2017 14:57
Hello Clement! Thanks for sharing your report on water pollution in Malawi.
It is important to have enough water source, but managing the water source is hundreds times more important in terms of sustainable water use.
Hope your country would come up with some solutions to manage the precious source wisely.
Posted 22-04-2017 10:55
Thank you Clement for the report. With nearly one fourth of the area of the country covered by water, it is important to control water pollution. It is good to have Ambassadors like you to raise concerns about the issue.
Posted 21-04-2017 23:22
This is indeed depressing. I hope that people will be more aware on this issue and the government will implement a drastic measure to reduce water pollution.
Posted 21-04-2017 19:10