"water, water, everywhere, not any drop to drink"
-Samuel Taylor Coleridge
The Overall Challenge
“Overcoming the crisis in water and sanitation is one of the greatest human development challenges of the early 21st century” [United Nations Development Programme, p. 1]. Perhaps the most critical question that the world faces today is the availability and accessibility of water. Approximately 1 out of every 6 people living today lacks adequate water to support and sustain. Some estimates suggest that annually 5000 children die due to unavailability and inaccessibility of clean drinking water. Facts presented in figure 1 seem to be just the tip of the iceberg for the water crisis.
Figure 1. Statistics on water supply and problems
It is not that the world does not have enough water to support, but it is not always available where it is needed in adequate quantity for sustaining life. The world's water supplies, especially in developing countries like India, are facing new threats in the form of contaminants by humans, arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals that are found naturally in groundwater. However, affordable, advanced technologies could make a difference for millions of people around the world.
Water Challenges in India
Readers might be thinking, as why to write on water issues? Well, for the unversed, the Indian economy is witnessing astronomical growth with the government of the day complimenting it to become a 5 trillion economy by 2025 (Ram and Irfan, 2021). In terms of population growth, it is expected to surpass China soon (UNDESA, 2017). This development, together with rapid industrialization and urbanization, is expected to have a toll on its existing water resources. It is to be noted here that India represents 18% of the global population with only 4% of global fresh water. In addition to this, climate change is worsening the situation by putting further stress on the already stressed water management system in India.
Why water is important
60% of the human body is made up of water, whereas blood constitutes 95% water. Water acts as a lubricant for joints, helps in the production of mucous and saliva, carries oxygen throughout the body, acts as a cushion for the brain, supports the spinal cord, and performs various other functions.
Sources of drinking water in India
Figure 2 below shows the major sources of drinking water in India.
Fig 2. Major sources of drinking water in India
Around 58.3 percent of households still rely on hand pumps, tube wells, public taps, piped water from neighbours protected or unprotected wells, and private or public taps for their water.
As high as 48.6 percent of rural households and 28 percent of urban households have to survive without access to an improved source (devoid of contamination/safe) of drinking water throughout the year. Also, 11.3 percent of households do not get sufficient drinking water from their primary sources throughout the year.
Contaminants in Drinking Water
Water sources can become polluted due to a variety of harmful contaminants, which can be categorized as follows:
1. Inorganic Contaminants: These include metals such as fluoride, arsenic, lead, copper, chromium, mercury, antimony, and cyanide. These contaminants can enter drinking water—both surface and groundwater—through natural sources, industrial processes, or plumbing systems.
2. Organic Contaminants: This category encompasses pesticides, untreated domestic and industrial waste, and other organic pollutants that can contaminate rivers, lakes, ponds, and even groundwater. Exposure to these contaminants can lead to severe health issues, including cancers, hormonal imbalances, and nervous system disorders.
3. Biological Contaminants: These refer to living organisms such as algae, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses present in water. Their presence can cause various health problems in humans.
4. Radiological Contaminants: These include radioactive substances that may occur naturally in soil and rocks or result from industrial waste. Such materials can mix with surface water and groundwater at their source, posing serious health risks.
Is drinking water in India safe?
Water in India is highly polluted and often unsafe for consumption. Access to treated piped water remains inadequate for the majority of the population, and alternative sources such as tube wells and hand pumps are frequently unsafe, contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases. Even where piped water is available, its quality is often unreliable.
Groundwater contamination with harmful elements such as fluoride, arsenic, iron, manganese, uranium, and radon is a significant issue in several states. According to Central Groundwater Board data from 2014, approximately 66 million people in India consume water with fluoride levels exceeding permissible limits, resulting in widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis. Arsenic contamination, particularly prevalent in West Bengal and Bihar as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, has led to arsenic poisoning and an increased incidence of cancers.
Why is testing of water quality important, and how is it done in India?
Testing of water quality is done to understand the following:
1. To understand what is and what isn’t in water.
2. Protect health and the environment.
3. To understand the causes of contamination and take necessary action.
India adheres to the drinking water quality standards outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the specifications for potable water (IIS-10500 2012). However, there remains a significant shortage of standard water quality testing laboratories across the country, and the existing testing standards are insufficient. For instance, India has approximately 2,233 drinking water testing laboratories, but only 54 of these are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Among these, 19 are state-level laboratories, and 35 operate at the district level.
Way forward
Recent advancements in hydrology and technology have made it possible to treat water effectively, rendering it safe for drinking. The choice of an appropriate water treatment method depends on various factors, including the type and degree of contamination, available infrastructure (such as manpower and access to chemicals), cost considerations, and the acceptability of the method within the community. Commonly used water purification techniques include:
1. Sedimentation or Settling
2. Boiling or Distillation
3. Chemical Treatment (e.g., precipitation, coagulation, or the use of adsorbents)
4. Disinfection and Filtration
I believe that India’s water crisis poses a grave challenge, with pollution, overexploitation, and population growth straining already limited resources. To ensure equitable access to safe drinking water, it is essential to embrace water-saving practices and sustainable management. I feel measures such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and adopting efficient irrigation and industrial processes can significantly reduce water wastage. Community awareness and participation are crucial in conserving water resources. Apart from this, empowering individuals to adopt sustainable habits—such as fixing leaks, reducing water use, and promoting water reuse—can have a profound cumulative impact. Moreover, policymakers must prioritize investments in clean water infrastructure, groundwater recharge projects, and stringent regulations to protect water sources from contamination.
I strongly feel that sustainability is not just an option but a necessity to address India’s water challenges. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern technology, fostering cooperation across sectors, and cultivating a culture of conservation, we can ensure water security for current and future generations. I think, together, we can make water saving and sustainability the cornerstones of a resilient and thriving India.
References
Gleick, P.H., et al. The World’s Water 2006-2007: Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Chicago: Island Press.
Hillie, T. et al. 2006. Nanotechnology, Water, and Development. Dillon, CO: Meridian Institute.
United Nations Development Programme. 2006. Human Development Report 2006: Beyond Scarcity: Power, Poverty and the Global Water Crisis. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. International Programs Data. Accessed July 2007.
The World Bank, Middle East and North Africa Region. 2007. Making the Most of Scarcity: Accountability for Better Water Management in the Middle East and North Africa: A MENA Development Report. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Publications.
World Health Organization (WHO)/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation. 2005. Water for Life: Making It Happen. Paris: WHO Press.
World Water Assessment Programme. 2006. Water: A Shared Responsibility: The United Nations World Water Development Report 2. Paris and New York: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and Berghahn Books.
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