Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) says investigations of suspected contamination of water in shallow wells in some parts of Garden Park in Lusaka West, have confirmed to be affected by the blue coloration.

In a statement to Money FM News, Authority Public Relations Officer Joshua Kapila said technical investigations using field measurements and application software revealed that the groundwater flow direction within the affected area in Garden Park area was from East to West.

Mr Kapila said sixteen different water quality parameters were analyzed and all other fifteen parameters were within the allowable maximum thresholds set for drinking water quality as stipulated by the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines.
“Results from the analysis revealed that the status of water quality failed to comply with stipulated drinking water quality standards only on the basis of color sky-blue color since water ought to be clear or colorless” Mr Kapila explained.

He further said Laboratory tests indicated that the elution pattern and characteristics of the blue coloration were like those of a food dye called “Patent Blue V.” It is highly suspected that the blue coloration could be coming from illegal activities residents could be doing in their homes.

He added that from the information gathered, residents held a firm belief that there could be a mineral (Copper or Emeralds) which were responsible for the colouration. However, laboratory results showed low levels of Copper, Zinc and Sulphates in the blue coloured water.
“WARMA will continue to undertake water quality investigations especially in wells that showed contamination and update the public on the progress” He said.