Todos por el Lago
Trip Start
Jul 16, 2009
1
15
17
Trip End
Ongoing
Panajachel,
Western Highlands,
Guatemala
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
http://especiales.prensalibre.com/atitlan/
I attended the public meeting (Oct 28) regarding the terrible condition of our Lake Atitlan. Due to thousands of gallons of untreated sewage, the lake has reacted with a cyanobacterial bloom, making the surface a nasty brownish-green sludge. We wouldn't be in this state if the government had responded to requests for proper water treatment systems after hurricane Stan washed away the only flawed plants in 2005. Since forever, but more in the last few years, "aguas negras" have been continuously flowing by rivers into Lake Atitlan. Therefore, there is a high level of Phosphorus, and not enough Oxygen. The biggest culprits are agro-chemicals/pesticides, human sewage, and land erosion.
Dr. Margaret Dix,(UCali-Davis), who presented at the meeting, was not sure of the toxicity level of this strain of cyanobacteria, called lyngba, but she warned that if we didn't take care of the lake now, it cannot be saved. The food chain is already affected very badly.
The cooperative of Mayan fisherman are trying to alleviate the problem by replanting the tul, a reed-like plant, in more areas of the perimeter shore of the lake because tul helps oxygenate the water.
At the meeting, the 8 sub-groups introduced constructive suggestions and solutions to the problem in areas of : sewage, agriculture, funds, education/communication, etc.
All citizens of Panajachel are concerned, and in San Lucas Toliman, there was a destructive riot reacting to the negligence of the government.
The somewhat good news is that the gov't finally allotted $10million USD to construct treatment plants, however, cost analysis suggests that the amount should be $80 million USD. Of the 4 standing treatment plants, only 1 is partly working. Communities demand that there be 12-16 water treatment facilities.
Who knows when this will actually happen!? It is quite sad. Even though citizens suggest the reduction of plastic bags and phophorus-based chemicals, it seems very unlikely that the law will pass soon. Additionally, phosphorus is found in so many substances, including detergents, soaps, etc. All those around the lake would need to be conscious consumers, but I suspect it may not be a choice for those who have so little money that they buy the cheapest products they can obtain, which may contain P.
But we must be hopeful, and put our minds together to save the lake-- keep it "the most beautiful lake in the world" Props to the group of citizens who went to Guatemala City's official buildings to protest and demand government involvement!
