What's more, the lake is enormous and deep. Save for a few small pockets, one can safely swim anywhere in the lake. N ot to say that the ecological situation is perfect, it's not. Much still needs to be done, but municipal laws, public awareness and collection programs seem to be getting a handle on this problem. Deforestation Deforested areas are being replanted and new laws protect forests as never before.
Economic development brings lucrative work to even the poorest of the poor.
This is slowly eliminating the destructive practice of slash and burn farming utilized by the impoverished. Likewise gas stoves are slowly replacing the fireplace. The new sewage treatment plant in Panajachel. On the whole the water is not polluted, but action is needed to keep it that way. The Guatemalan government is building sewage treatment plants in villages all around the lake, though again, much still needs to be done.