Study: Rising Lake Naivasha levels due to rains

Birds perch atop a partly submerged structure in Lake Naivasha following a sharp rise in water levels in the lake. Research shows heavy rains in the last four years caused the high water levels. [PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/STANDARD]

NAKURU COUNTY: A research into the sharp rise in water levels in various lakes in the county has scientifically proven that heavy rains led to the rare phenomena that has baffled many.

A study commissioned by the Kenya Water Towers (KWT) and carried by various experts from the Government arrived at the decision after a five-month study.

The scientists have dismissed various hypothesis advanced by different parties and institutions noting that between 2010 and 2013 the county received above average rainfall.

According to the Assistant Director Meteorological Services Peter Macharia, out of the 11 meteorological stations visited, eight recorded above average rainfall.

Mr Macharia who was the team leader said during the study on Lake Nakuru, Elementaita and Naivasha, they conducted various studies including rainfall and hydrological analysis.

“We have scientifically proven that water rise in various lakes was caused by heavy rains in the last four years,” he said.

Addressing the Press at Heritage Resort in Naivasha Wednesday, the director said the lakes, since last year, had started to stabilise.

SILTATION

He dismissed suggestions by some experts that siltation played a part in the rise in water levels terming this as insignificant.

Macharia, however, expressed his concern over pollution levels in Lake Nakuru mainly from industries and the main sewer lines.

He added that water from River Njoro was also highly contaminated at the exit point and called for concerted efforts to address this.

“Despite pollution in the lake, the water alkalinity has stabilised mainly due to the high water intake occasioned by the rains,” he said.

On his part, County Director of Metrological Peter Njuguna said water levels in the lakes are dropping.

He said that due to the rise in water levels, the alkalinity of Lake Nakuru had dropped to 7.2 per cent.

“The rise in water levels affected various offices with rangers being forced to relocate from Lake Nakuru after their offices were flooded,” he said.

Mr Njuguna decried the degradation of the Mau Forest, saying siltation from the water tower has been affecting water levels in Lake Nakuru.