The scarcity of pure drinking water in India is increasing day-by-day. Due to the ever-growing rate of pollution, the number of waterborne diseases is amplifying as well. That, in turn, affects the health and the wealth of the country’s residents.
Recent research in this context has revealed that around 38 million Indian residents suffer from water-related ailments every year. Moreover, it has also been shown that almost 10% of Indians are currently drinking impure water to save their lives. The report has also estimated that India is going to be listed as a water-stressed country by 2024. Sounds horrific, doesn’t it?
However, if we all try our best, then this issue can be countered quite easily, by taking some safety measures, such as using the best water purifier. However, before knowing about the solutions, we will, first, need to know about the sources of impurities. Moreover, we would have to acknowledge the safe drinking water guidelines as well. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Recommended Reading: 9 Best Water Purifiers In India 2024
Sources of Water Impurities
The sources of drinking water in India get contamination due to two reasons, which are – natural and human-made. The natural ones generally include any disaster, such as storms or volcanic eruption, that isn’t related to humans.
Due to the sudden onset of a calamity, various metalloids and toxic substances mix up with the water bodies and make them impure. So, if anyone drinks that water, then they might get affected by waterborne disease.
Now, let’s move on to the human-made category. Various working methodologies of us, humans, can also affect the quality of water. For starters, the overuse of pesticides can affect both the surface water as well as groundwater sources.
Secondly, the disposal of industrial wastages can also contaminate water pretty dearly. According to a report, almost 58% of India’s water pollution cases are caused by Industrial wastage abuses.
Thirdly, human-made air pollution can also indirectly cause water pollution. For example, cars generally tend to exert led-mixed smoke, which gets dissolved in the air. However, as the metalloid particles are pretty heavy, they can’t float for a prolonged period. So, in some cases, they fall into a water body and pollute it.
Due to human-made issues, water pollution is increasing daily. You will probably get astonished to know that India currently has more than six million active water sources. However, still, we are facing this farce of water scarcity.
Recommended Reading: Effects of Heavy Metals Contamination in Drinking Water
What about the Guidelines?
So, to make Indian residents aware of this erratic condition, safe drinking water guidelines have been released. Let’s check it out.
| Parameter | Desirable Limit | Permissible Limit | Sources of Impurity | Associated Effects or Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 to 8.5 | No relaxation | Natural or Disasters | Bitter (high pH) and metallic (low pH) taste |
| TDS | 300 | 600 | Dissolved minerals,animal waste, landfills | Increases the risk of metalloid-based pollution |
| Alkalinity | 200 | 600 | Landfills, Pipe constructions | Increases the risk of metalloid-based pollution |
| Arsenic | 0.01 mg/l | 0.05mg/l | Pesticide overuse, mining, waste disposal issues | Weight loss, cancer, depression, skin-related diseases |
| Lead | 0.01 mg/l | No relaxation | Paints, leaded gasoline, diesel incineration | Hypertension, mental issues, blood disorders, kidney issues |
| Mercury | 0.001 mg/l | No relaxation | Batteries, vinyl chloride, mining plants, fungicides | Nervous system and kidney disorders, vision loss, mental issues |
| Cyanide | 0.05 mg/l | No relaxation | Plastic mining, fertilizer usage, electronics property disposals | Nervous system issues, Thyroid |
| Chromium | 0.05 mg/l | No relaxation | Industrial waste, septic systems, mining | Gastrointestinal diseases, liver problems, circulatory system damage |
| Chloride | 250 mg/l | 1000mg/l | Fertilizers, minerals, industrial wastages | Hypertension, bone damage, teeth discolouration |
| Nitrate | 45 mg/l | No relaxation | Livestock, fertilizers, manure overuse | Blue baby disorder |
These are some of the most prominent contaminants that have polluted the water sources in India massively.
Recommended Reading: A Brief Overview of Groundwater Pollution in India
How to Solve This Problem?
The pollutants, which we have mentioned above, are hazardous for our health. So, to stay away from them, we will have to practice caution and follow some essential tips. Here are some of them.
1. Using a Water Purifier
One of the best ways to avert the diseases caused by water-based contaminants is to use a water purifier. Through its advanced technology and mechanics, it can easily separate the water molecules from the metalloids. Hence, with them, you can drink pure water.
However, there is something that you need to know in this aspect. Not all the water purifiers work in the same way. Thus, most of them cannot eliminate the heavy metal from the water. Only the RO purifiers work perfectly in this aspect.
So, if you do live in an area where the metalloid-based issues are more prominent, we would suggest you buy the best RO water purifier. It will surely help you to adequately hydrated and stay healthy.
2. Disinfecting Water Bodies
The government of India also has to take some stern steps in this respect. Firstly, they will have to disinfect the water bodies in an area. Moreover, while doing so, they will have to make sure that they do not use too many chemicals on the water.
The whole procedure will take a lot of time, as the spread of contamination is quite massive in India. However, if they do progress by following the one-at-a-time rule, then they can comfortably take care of this situation within a few years.
3. Taking Proper Care about the Disposal Procedure
Improper plastic or chemical disposal is probably the biggest reason for water pollution in India. So, industrialists need to be careful about this issue and try to dispose of the wastes in an environment-friendly manner.
Moreover, they can try to create a recycling method to reuse their wastages as well. It will both help them with their production and reduce the severity of water pollution altogether.
conclusion
Water pollution has recently become a massive problem in India. So, to counter this situation, we will have to be more careful about everything. Otherwise, this issue will only keep growing and make us get confronted with a massive challenge in the future.
- A Full Analysis Of The Samsung 198 L 4-Star Inverter Single Door Refrigerator: Can It Be What You Need? - December 12, 2022
- A Close Look At The Modest Yet Powerful LG 190 L Inverter 4-Star Direct Cool Single Door Refrigerator - December 3, 2022
- Everything You Need To Know About The New Godrej 190 L 5-Star Inverter Direct Cool Single Door Refrigerator - December 3, 2022