(14 Sep 1998) Spanish/Nat

Pollution levels in Nicaragua's largest lake, Lake Managua, have reached a crisis point.

The lake, which covers a distance of 1050 square kilometers, is now the capital Managua's largest and most accessible rubbish dump.

Over 120-thousand people live on the shores of Lake Managua and depend on it for food and water, prompting fears of a health epidemic in the area.

In the absence of government legislation to protect the lake, contamination has increased rapidly over the past 70 years.

Factories have located on the shores of Lake Managua since 1927, systematically discharging untreated waste into the waters.

It is also one of the main rubbish dumping sites for Nicaragua's capital Managua.

Scientists warn that pollution levels are dangerously high and pose a significant threat to the people that live and work on the shores of the lake.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"The substances found are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or simply lethal. We're talking about substances which are aggressive to human health and to the environment."
SUPER CAPTION: Salvador Montenegro, Centre for Investigation of Water Resources

For thousands of Nicaraguans, though, the lake is their lifeline -providing them with food, water and a livelihood from fishing.

And despite concerns from doctors and environmentalists there is evidence that local people have become immune to the toxins.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I've been living here for almost 20 years and since I've been here, I've eaten the fish and it has never made me ill."
SUPERCAPTION: Rosalba Rodriguez, local resident

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"It's 100 percent polluted, but since we don't have any money we eat the fish which tastes good. (off camera: Doesn't it make you sick?)...I think the stomach has got used to it. Those who are not used to the taste of these animals (fish) get sick."
SUPER CAPTION:Juan A. Meza, fisherman

Tests have shown that the lake contains a vast number of raw chemicals including mercury.

The contamination has starved the lake of oxygen and poisoned much of its animal and plant life.

Local people are aware of the health risks, but have few alternative sources of food and water.

As the Nicaraguan economy continues its post civil war growth it is likely that more industries will locate at the side of the lake and use it as a free dumping ground.

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