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Drinking water - what are the required parameters
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Check your water for ascertaining the right quality
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POTABLE REQUIREMENTS: Are we consuming the right water?
The greatest bulk of the human body is water. If we are what we eat we are also what we drink to a greater extent. Pure water as pure H2O does not exist in nature and therefore what we consume has some mineral or salt or the other. The question is what is right and what is wrong in the water we drink. Simultaneously, with increasing impact from human activity, water is being polluted everywhere. So what should be the quality of the water we drink?
Is your water tested?
Many private laboratories exist in cities to carry out water testing. In addition the State Pollution Control Boards, the Department of Mines and Geology in Karnataka and many engineering and agricultural colleges help in water testing. Water utilities such as the Chennai Metro Water Board say on their website that they provide water testing service too. Charges vary depending on the laboratories but expect to pay around Rs.200-Rs.900 for a complete test.
Most laboratories will need a sample of at least two litres collected in a sterilised bottle. There are specific requirements of collection if the water is to be tested for indicator bacteria such as e-coli and the laboratory usually prescribes the method.
What to look out for
If your water source is a borewell you must check for all the parameters listed above. Of specific concern will be the Total Dissolved Salts, Nitrates and Fluoride. Leaking sewage pipes have caused ground water to be polluted and the typical pollutant is Nitrate.
Fluoride contamination is reported more through natural sources and is endemic in many villages of India. Fluoride testing kits are available for Rs.1,000- Rs.1,500 which can give a broad range result. Further testing for more accurate results can then be done in laboratories.
If your water source is from the pipeline then it is the responsibility of the city authorities to ensure that the water you receive confirms to BIS 10500. To avoid bacterial contamination authorities ensure residual chlorine in the water. This can be tested using a chlorine testing kit available for Rs. 200-500. A residual chlorine of 0.20 mg/litre is commonly ensured by water supply providers.
In rural areas where the contamination is most likely to be biological, a simple H2S strip test is a very good indicator of the presence of e-coli, the indicator for harmful bacteria. This is a small bottle with a strip of paper coated with an appropriate material. The water to be tested is put into the bottle and the cap closed. In 24 to 36 hours if the water turns black then it indicates bacterial contamination requiring the water to be boiled or sterilised before consumption.
Protocol
It is good to develop a protocol for testing waters from other than mainline sources. Borewell water should be tested at least once in three months for potability and more frequently if any contamination is detected.
It is also important to note that not all water quality improving devices work on all contaminants. Many which are UV based can take care of bacteria only. Thos that are R.O. based can remove nitrates and fluorides. It is important to see whether the treated water will conform to BIS 10500 requirements before one buys a product. It is also better to check the treated water to see whether a contaminant has been removed.
Further improvements
China has moved from identifying 35 items to 101 items considering the increase in chemical contaminants in the environment. India needs to move into this mode also and look at more harmful chemical contaminants coming into water.
Water testing laboratories also need to be available in more places and at more affordable prices.
Ultimately, a risk management strategy needs to be put into place to ensure non-pollution at source rather than a strategy of removal of pollutants.
Awareness and action are critical to change the impact on drinking water and for the health of us and our children.
Water wisdom lies in understanding the pollutants in our water, ensuring prevention and removal and only then consuming it.
www.rainwaterclub.org
www.arghyam.org
Ph: 23641690
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