Rising water levels at lake Naivasha lead to decline in pollution, experts say

Despite rising water levels in Lake Naivasha, there has been a general decline in pollution of the water body, experts have said.

However, they noted high levels of chemical residue and human waste in Kihoto area, one of the estates most affected by the rising levels that have submerged buildings, flower farms and pit latrines.

The low levels of pollution have been attributed to the modern treatment of waste by the flower farms and hotels around the lake, and adherence to the law.

This was highlighted when the Water Resources Authority, National Environment Management Authority and Lake Naivasha Basin Landscape Association awarded the best flower farms and hotels in Naivasha in water management.

During the event, Flamingo Horticulture, Wildfire Flowers and Panda Flower Farm emerged the top flower farms, while Enashipai, Sopa and Camp Carnelleys were the top hotels.

Enock Kiminta, the chairman of the Lake Naivasha Water Resources User Association, said water levels in the lake were rising by the day.

He said studies had established the presence of minimal effluence around the flooded areas.

“Tens of acres around the riparian land have been flooded and we have recorded cases of minimal pollution around the flooded estate and flower farms,” he said.

“We used various parameters to gauge how the farms and hoteliers were managing their waste, and we are pleased by their performance.”

Water Resources Authority Sub-regional Manager Jeremiah Nyaga said more than 99 per cent of hotels and flower farms had adhered to water treatment regulations.

He said there were set environmental laws guiding the stakeholders on treatment of waste water to avoid cases of pollution around the troubled water body.