A SURVEY OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE ABOUT WATER RESOURCES IN UDUNUWARA DS DIVISTON IN KANDY DISTRICT

Abstract

The rapid increase in water demand is putting significant pressure on existing water resources. There is a number of groundwater and surface water supplies in Kandy district. The available water resources are exploited for drinking, irrigation. industry. tourism facilities, and commercial and public establishments. Almost all surface water and groundwater resources are polluted due to the direct discharge of wastewater into the natural freshwater system. Lack of discussion of water issues in primary education leads to a decrease in awareness of water issues. Attitudes and perceptions of the people are the main cause of many water problems in many areas. Understanding the people's attitudes on the environment, drinking water perceptions. water issues, and preserving and maintaining water resources has become important in water management. ln the above context, the present study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of different groups of people related to water resources and related issues in the Udunuwara DS Division in Kandy district. A questionnaire survey was conducted among the university students, general public, and water professionals. The perception of the students regarding water resources and related issues is slightly different from the perception of other groups. The majority of the participants are aware of the importance of clean drinking water, clean groundwater, and clean lakes and river. Water professionals are concerned about citizens collecting water quality and quality information. Most of the respondents are aware of the sources of drinking water quality and assume the quality of water is safe for drinking purposes. The majority of the respondents believe the quantity of water available is not enough to meet the demand. However, nearly 25% of the public do not know the available water resource and demand over it. Most of the students and public do not have any idea about prolonged drought conditions and change in rainfall distribution. However, the majority of the water professionals believe that the drought conditions remain the same. Respondents have an idea of major water pollution sources. Some of the respondents particularly from students and the general public do not have any idea of the responsibility of the government and citizen in conserving and protecting the water resources from pollution. Changes in the frequency of watering for home yards, fertilizer and pesticide usage, and adopting new technologies in water management are the proposed attitude changes for better management of water resources. The awareness level of the general public regarding water resources and related issues is not adequate compared to students and water professionals