No one can predict the future, but the growing population, changing climate and water pollution is an alarming future threat for India. The web site India Water Tool 3.0 has details of the water scarcity risk across India. This data is gathered by the Government of India along with a group of companies and research organizations. The regions highlighted in light blue indicate scarcity of water, whereas the dark blue show adequate water supply.
Though there are many lakes and rivers serving as sources for drinking water, even cities like Bhopal, Nagpur, Jodhpur, Chennai, Varanasi and many others do not have access to safe drinking water. According to the World Bank Report (2002), around 21 per cent of diseases in India are caused by drinking contaminated water. Of these, water-borne diseases like diarrhoea have killed over 1600, including children below the age of five in the year 2001- 2002.
As of 2007, nearly 92 per cent of all households in Mumbai used water supplied by the municipal. This data was revealed in a study focused on water consumption patterns of seven major cities in India. When municipalities supply water to households, there are possibilities of it getting mixed with contaminants on its way through overhead water tanks and pipelines. Also, the higher pH levels and total dissolved salts (TDS) in ground water is not safe for drinking. This water contains elements such as chlorine, fluoride, iron and arsenic in the form of dissolved solids. If people continue drinking such impure water, it increases the chances of falling prey to water-borne diseases. If not treated, it can be as severe as leading to death.
As per the World Resource Report, India ranked 120th for its water quality, among 122 countries. Despite a lot of investments in water treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure, India still faces extreme water issues. Both, surface and ground water is polluted by toxic chemicals released in the form of industrial waste and sewage. Even if this water is treated, it isn’t free from contaminants. There are thousands of bacteria and pathogens in the water that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Not only is surface water affected, even ground water often gets contaminated with excess biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Water bodies near agricultural lands are always at the risk of water pollution, because pesticides and fertilizers used for farming also get absorbed in the ground.
Considering the increasing risk of water pollution, the common methods of water filtration and purification may not be very effective. Water contains dissolved impurities like arsenic and chlorine, which may not be visible, but are harmful to health. In fact, some water-borne bacteria thrive under low temperatures and under low light.
A common question then appears – Is boiling water the best way to purify water? Boiling water is the safest method to kill germs and bacteria in it, but it isn’t effective in removing impurities. For example, when water passes through pipes and tanks to your home, heavy-metals like arsenic and lead get mixed with it. You may not be able to taste it or smell it but these metals remain even if the water is boiled.
Besides removing impurities, drinking water has TDS and pH levels, which are important to keep your body hydrated and healthy. There are fewer chances of boiling water may not maintaining it. This is a good reason to buy a water purifier that adopt advanced water purifying techniques such as RO, UV and UF. Water purifiers help remove bacteria, heavy metals and other harmful elements from the water, while also maintaining the TDS and pH levels in it. This makes the water clean and safe for drinking.
