Water Pollution And Its Effect On Water Quality In India

Water pollution has become an increasingly alarming issue in India, with the rapid growth of industrialization and urbanization. The contamination of water bodies can have detrimental effects on the health of individuals and the environment. As the primary source for drinking, bathing, and other daily activities, it is crucial to address this growing problem to ensure a healthy future.

In this blog, we will explore the diverse sources of water pollution in India, including industrial effluents, sewage, agricultural runoff, and solid waste disposal, and the harmful chemicals and toxins they contain. Let’s delve into the consequences of water pollution and the steps we can take to protect our precious water resources.

Consequences of water pollution

1. Health Risks: Water pollution possess significant health risks to humans who use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily activities. Contaminated water can cause diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if left untreated.
2. Environmental Impact: Water pollution can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. The toxic chemicals and pollutants that enter the water can kill fish, reduce biodiversity, and harm the food chain. It can also harm plants and animals living near the water source.
3. Economic Impact: Water pollution can impact the economy by reducing fish populations, damaging tourist destinations, and reducing the availability of clean water for agriculture and industry. This can lead to a loss of revenue, jobs, and economic growth.
4. Social Implications: The consequences of water pollution can exacerbate existing social inequalities, as poorer communities may not have access to clean water and sanitation facilities. This can lead to a higher risk of diseases and a lower quality of life.

Water pollution in India has severe consequences for human health, the environment, the economy, and society. It is crucial to take action to reduce water pollution and protect our water resources for future generations. To address this issue, the Indian government has introduced various measures aimed at controlling water pollution. These measures include the implementation of stricter environmental regulations and the promotion of sustainable practices in industries and agriculture.

Some of the Significant steps taken by the Indian Government:

1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act was introduced to prevent and control water pollution in India. It sets standards for the quality of water, regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, and establishes penalties for violations.
2. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): The NRCP is a comprehensive plan to clean up and conserve rivers in India. Under this plan, the government is implementing several projects to reduce pollution and improve the quality of water in rivers.
3. Clean Ganga Mission: The Clean Ganga Mission is a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at cleaning up the Ganga river, which is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The mission includes measures to reduce industrial pollution, improve wastewater treatment, and promote public awareness.
4. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a national cleanliness campaign launched by the government in 2014. It aims to promote cleanliness and hygiene across the country, including the cleaning up of water bodies.
5. Zero Liquid Discharge Policy: The Zero Liquid Discharge Policy is an initiative to reduce water pollution by promoting the reuse and recycling of industrial wastewater. Under this policy, industries are required to treat and reuse wastewater to minimize their impact on water resources.

Importance of community involvement in addressing water pollution

Community involvement is crucial in addressing water pollution in India as it can help in identifying and addressing pollution incidents before they become severe. Citizen science and grassroots movements play a significant role in monitoring and reporting pollution incidents, which can help in taking prompt action to mitigate the impact of pollution.

Citizen science involves engaging the general public in scientific research to monitor and report pollution incidents. This can include activities like water quality testing, monitoring the health of aquatic life, and identifying pollution sources.

Grassroots movements involve community members coming together to raise awareness about pollution issues and advocate for change. Grassroots movements can pressure local authorities to take action to address pollution incidents and implement policies to prevent future pollution.

Water Quality Standards

Agricultural Use: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set the water quality standards for irrigation and agricultural use in India. The maximum permissible limit for pH is 6.5 to 8.5, electrical conductivity (EC) is 2250 micro Siemens per centimeter (S/cm), and total dissolved solids (TDS) is 2000 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Groundwater Quality: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set the groundwater quality standards in India. The maximum permissible limit for pH is 6.5 to 8.5, total hardness is 600 mg/L, fluoride is 1.5 mg/L, arsenic is 0.01 mg/L, and nitrate is 45 mg/L.

Drinking Water Quality Standards:

The BIS has set the drinking water quality standards in India. The maximum permissible limit for pH is 6.5 to 8.5, total dissolved solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L, fluoride is 1 mg/L, arsenic is 0.01 mg/L, and nitrate is 45 mg/L. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that drinking water should be free from bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals.

Note that these standards are only minimum requirements and do not guarantee the safety of water for human consumption. The quality of water can vary widely across different regions. It can be affected by a variety of factors, such as industrial and agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change. Regular testing of water quality and implementation of appropriate treatment measures is essential to ensure safe and clean water for all.

You May Also Like: Can Water Purifier Prevent Diseases?

FAQs

What is TDS water quality standards India?

TDS water quality standards in India are set at 500 mg/L for drinking water and 2000 mg/L for agricultural use.

What is the ISO standard for water quality?

ISO 5667 is the international standard for water quality, providing guidance on sampling and analysis of water.

What is the water resources scenario in India?

India’s water resources scenario is under pressure due to overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.

What is the scenario of water pollution in India?

Water pollution is a significant issue in India, with industrial effluents, sewage, and agricultural runoff being the primary sources of pollution.

Who sets water quality standards in India?

Water quality standards in India are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

What are the steps of water quality management?

The steps of water quality management include monitoring, assessing, treating, and regulating water quality for different uses.