SUITABILITY OF ATTANAGALU OYA AS A DRINKING WATER SOURCE

Abstract

Attanagalu oya basin is situated between the two major river basins Kelani and Maha Oya .It plays amajor role in national water supply since it contains major national water supply and drainage boardintakes. This study intends to study the quality of water of the Attanagalu Oya and its suitability fordrinking purpose. Because of its significance as a drinking water source it is important to maintain thequality of the water. Samples were collected from ten selected sampling locations along the main riverincluding one near the origin of the river, near the sea outfall, NWS&DB intakes from the main river.Other locations were selected so as to have the similar distance between sampling locations Samplingwas taken during both high and low flow rate conditions. Analysis was done on physical, chemicaland biological parameters.

Results showed that records of COD, BOD, DO, pH, nutrient are low during the high flow rate whilethe levels of turbidity, metal iron total coliform and faecal coliform are high during the high flow rate.