The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) in Kiambu County has urged residents to conserve water catchment areas within the region so as to boost water supply.
Speaking in her office on Tuesday, the Kiambu Sub-Regional Manager at WARMA Mrs Rose Nyamori said that day to day activities could affect the local surface water and ground water aquifers that were a source of drinking water for the locals.
Nyamori explained that in order to secure the best water quality possible from within the county's water supply catchments, residents had to play a part in ensuring that they were not polluted.
“Kiambu County is an agriculturally oriented region and farmers should play a major role by ensuring that, they check and monitor the use of fertilizers, soil nutrients and agricultural chemicals during rainy seasons because such chemicals pollute water sources,” said Nyamori.
Nyamori said livestock, manure and overgrazing can also be a hindrance to the maintenance of water sources.
The manager further said that landlords in township areas within the county should conduct and inspect the maintenance of septic tank systems to ensure proper functionality and also use proper rubbish disposal methods.
She noted that healthy water catchment areas provide a source of clean water, habitat for plants and animals and provide sustainable agricultural opportunities for farmers.
Mr James Thairu, the Kiambu Sub-County Forest Officer said that they have created awareness on the importance of trees in maintaining water catchment areas and their benefits in promoting agriculture, which has had an impact to residents in rural areas.
The officer added that trees help in creating an ecological cover that helps in the maintenance of water sources and reduces incidences of soil erosion in rivers.