Southern States - Kerala   

No action yet on water contamination

By Roy Mathew

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM SEPT. 9. The Government is yet to draw up plans to check the high levels of contamination of water sources reported during the past decade.

Sample surveys have shown that majority of wells in the State suffer from bacteriological contamination. Other sources are seriously contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and bacteria.

Contrary to Government claims that piped water supply reach more than 60 per cent of the population, as much as 75 per cent of the people depend on wells, tanks, ponds, lake, rivers and springs for water supply (Census 2001). The contamination of these water sources is believed to have direct correlation to the high morbidity rates among the population in the State. Kerala has been in the grip of water-borne diseases and diseases spread by mosquitoes for the past several years now.

An assessment study of the rural water supply and sanitation sector by a Bangalore-based consultant two years ago noted that the high morbidity rate was largely on account of high incidence of water-borne diseases. Although much concern has been expressed over public health issue of linking and integrating water, sanitation and primary health care and educational programmes, it has not happened, the study said.

Though the Government re-launched the total sanitation programme a year ago, it is yet to have any significant impact on the sanitation sector. Moreover, it does not specifically address water quality. The issue is so far addressed only in a limited and localised manner though studies showed that the problem is widespread.

Several studies conducted by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) during 1994-1997 indicated chemical and biological contamination in ground and surface water sources. Though recent random tests have also confirmed this, systematic data are absent.

A sample survey of groundwater sources conducted by the CWRDM in Palakkad district in 1977 showed that more than 50 per cent of the sample wells were biologically contaminated with high coliform density. Improper location of wells and nearness to pollution sources were observed to be the main reasons for the contamination. The study also showed presence of chemical pollutants such as chloride, fluoride, iron and nitrate in groundwater.

In the midlands of Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, Kannur and Kasaragod, water quality problems arise owing to alkalinity and high iron content. Fluoride concentration is very high in wells of the Palakkad region. Percentage of contaminated samples was found to be the highest in Kasaragod district followed by Thiruvananthapuram.

Reports of analysis of water samples from Idukki district showed high concentrations of iron and coliforms. High chloride concentration is the bane of groundwater in coastal areas. Concentrations of fluoride, iron and chloride were higher in a few borewell samples in Thrissur district.

Studies on water quality of ten rivers of the State by the Kerala Water Authority showed chemical and biological contamination from agricultural discharge, domestic sewage and industrial effluents.

A study by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Biotechnology here a few years ago showed deterioration of eco-system and consequent depletion of fauna in Kuttanad owing to pollution from pesticides. Bio-accumulation of organo-chlorides were reported in several species of fish and other aquatic species, cow's milk and human blood. Levels of cadmium, iron, manganese, lead, zinc and copper exceeded permissible levels. High levels of Polio, rota and hepatitis viruses and coliform were also detected in the backwaters.

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