Bring out various issues involved in the supply of drinking water in India. Add a note on drinking water quality standards(12 MARKS) (GS3 – KAS MAINS 2015)
Issues Involved in the Supply of Drinking Water in India:
Water Scarcity:
Uneven distribution of water resources.
Seasonal and geographical variations lead to scarcity in many regions.
Infrastructure Deficiencies:
Poor maintenance and outdated infrastructure.
Inadequate pipelines and distribution networks causing leakages and wastage.
Population Growth:
Rapid population growth increases demand for drinking water.
Urbanization strains existing water supply systems.
Pollution:
Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and sewage contaminate water sources.
Presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants in water bodies.
Over-Exploitation of Groundwater:
Excessive extraction of groundwater leading to depletion of aquifers.
Falling water tables affect the availability of drinking water.
Climate Change:
Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts impact water availability.
Increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupts water supply systems.
Lack of Awareness and Education:
Insufficient public awareness about water conservation and hygiene practices.
Poor community involvement in water management initiatives.
Financial Constraints:
Limited funding for developing and maintaining water supply infrastructure.
Inadequate financial resources for implementing advanced water treatment technologies.
Regulatory and Governance Issues:
Fragmented regulatory frameworks and overlapping responsibilities.
Corruption and mismanagement in water supply agencies.
Quality of Water:
Microbial contamination due to improper sanitation and waste disposal.
Chemical contamination from industrial and agricultural activities.
Note on Drinking Water Quality Standards:
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
IS 10500:2012 specifies the acceptable limits of various parameters for drinking water quality.
coli or Thermotolerant Coliform bacteria: Should not be detectable in 100 mL of sample.
Total Coliform bacteria: Should not be detectable in 100 mL of sample.
World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines:
WHO provides international standards for drinking water quality which are often referenced alongside national standards.
Challenges in Ensuring Compliance:
Ensuring compliance with these standards is a significant challenge due to the issues listed above.
Regular monitoring, stringent enforcement, and public awareness are crucial for maintaining drinking water quality.
Conclusion:
Addressing the issues in drinking water supply and adhering to quality standards is vital for ensuring safe and reliable access to drinking water in India.
It requires a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure development, policy reforms, and community participation.
