Groundwater levels continue to plunge throughout the Central Highlands, even as its quality takes a hit due to pollution, a study by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has found.
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Prolonged droughts, a reduction in rainfall, deforestation and high demand for groundwater from agriculture were the causes of the falling levels.
The pollution is being caused by overuse of fertilizers and chemicals and discharge of untreated waste into the environment. The survey found the water level down by three to five metres compared to six years ago in Dak Mil, Dak Song, and Cu Jut Districts of Dak Nong Province.
The Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology of Tay Nguyen said 83 percent of groundwater samples in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum failed to meet micro-biological and chemical quality standards.
They were found to contain high E.coli levels, low pH levels indicating high acidity, and excessive levels of iron.
