Impacts Of Instream Sand Harvesting On Water Supply, A Case Study Of River Thwake, Makueni County

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of sand harvesting from rivers on the environment, water quality and quantity along Thwake River, Makueni County. Sand acts as a safe aquifer for water flowing below and through it. Removal of sand results in destruction of underground aquifers and loss of safe water. Sand scooping adversely affects surface water quality and quantity and damages the aquatic ecosystem. Haulage of sand by heavy trucks causes environmental degradation by accelerating soil erosion and affecting soil stability. Storage of sand causes destruction of surface areas through clea…