1

CONTAMINATION OF DRINKING WATER:

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND HEALTH

BY

VIKRAM KUMAR MALVEEYA

B.A.L.L.B (H)

SUBMITTED TO

SCHOOL OF LAW, NARSEE MONJEE INSTITUITE OF

MANAGEMENT STUDIES, DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY,

MUMBAI

INDORE CAMPUS
2

Abstract

Water is of essential significance for existence on earth. The synthesis

and shape of mobileular components and delivery of vitamins into the cells in addition
to frame metabolism depend upon water. The contaminations found in water disturb
the spontaneity of the mechanism and bring about long/short-time period diseases.
The in all likelihood contaminations and their viable routes are mentioned withinside
the gift overview. Continued studies efforts bring about a
few processes/technology to cast off the contaminations from water.
The overview consists of standards and possibilities of the technology in
a understandable form. It additionally consists of a
few significant hybrid technology and promising awaited technology in coming years.

Introduction

Adequate supply of safe drinking water for a healthy life is a major condition, but in
many parts of the world, especially among children, waterborne disease is still a leading
cause of death, and an important economic barrier to many livelihoods. Economies.

Drinking water is taken from two primary sources: surface water, rivers and reservoirs,
and groundwater. All waters contain natural contaminants, especially inorganic
contaminants, which flow from the geographical range and at various levels,
anthropogenic pollution by microorganisms and chemicals. In general, groundwater is
less susceptible to contamination than surface water. There are many sources of man-
made contaminants, some of which are more important than others. These fall into
point categories and expand roots. Sources of industrial complexes and effluents from
sewage treatment plants and are more easily identified and controlled; From farmland
and rough surfaces such as roads are not so clearly or easily controlled. Such resources
lead to a significant variation of the contaminant burden over time. Chemicals from
industry and agriculture are likely to spread and the paste from intensive farming units
can contain pathogens. In some countries, badly seated toilets and septic tanks are an
important source of contamination, especially wells. Local industries can also lead to
3

contamination of water resources, especially when disposing of chemicals without

proper care. Partial flow or leakage of nutrients in slow-flowing or still surface waters
can lead to overgrowth of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Many species lead to
irritating chemicals that cause taste and odor and interfere with the purification of
drinking water. However, they often produce toxins that are a health concern, especially
if only with limited treatment.

If the treatment is not optimized, unwanted residues of chemicals used in water

treatment can also cause contamination and lead to sedimentation in the water pipes.
Contamination during water distribution can arise from substances such as iron, which
release iron oxide or contaminants from entering the delivery system. Spreads through
plastic pipes, for example, when oil spills on surrounding soil, leading to taste and odor
problems. Materials such as plumbing, lead or copper can cause contamination in the
customer’s premises or as a result of improper connections to allow fluid to flow back
into the distribution system. Such contamination can be chemical or microbial.

The treatment requirements for drinking water treatment as applied to public water
supply vary according to the supply requirements on the train and the nature and
vulnerability of the source. Widely these include coagulation and flocculation, filtration
and oxidation systems. The most common antioxidant used is chlorine. It provides
effective and strong resistance to pathogens and provides easily scalable residues that
act as markers and preservatives in water distribution to show that disinfection has
taken place. In.

The basis for determining drinking water safety is national standards or international
guidelines. The most important of these are the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water
Quality. These are revised on a daily basis and support a series of detailed documents
outlining many aspects of water safety. The guidelines are now based on water safety
schemes that have a more proactive approach to protection from source.

The following are common categories of drinking water contaminants and examples of
each:
4

Contaminants mainly affect the physical appearance or other physical properties of

water. Examples of physical contaminants include sedimentation or organic matter in
lakes, rivers, and streams from soil erosion.

Chemical contaminants are elements or compounds. These contaminants can be natural

or man-made. Examples of chemical contaminants are nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides,
metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs.

• Biological contaminants are organisms in water. They are also known as

microorganisms or microbial contaminants. Examples of biological or microbial
contaminants are bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites.

Radiological pollution is chemical elements that contain an unbalanced number of

protons and neutrons, resulting in the release of ionizing radiation as a result of volatile
molecules. Examples of radiological pollution are cesium, plutonium and uranium.

There are many reasons for water pollution with rapid urban development. As houses
and roads are built and factories grow, many people throw their waste into the body of
water and cause pollution. Homes have been accused of contributing to pollution by
placing detergents and chemicals in toilets and sewers. Other common causes of water
pollution are the use of harmful fertilizers by farmers, improper waste disposal, release
of radioactive waste, oil spills and dumping of plastics into the sea.

Effects of contaminated drinking water on human health

The effects of water pollution on human health are well documented. Contaminated
water contributes to water scarcity in many countries, against which there are no
systems to apply. It exposes many men, women and children in third world countries
such as Africa on a daily basis based on contaminated water. It causes countless families
to consume contaminated water regularly, often leading to illness. Adverse effects of
drinking contaminated water:

1. Diarrhea of pilgrims

This common digestive disorder causes stomach cramps and loose stools. Although this
condition is not usually fatal, it is unpleasant. Diarrhea of travelers is common to most
5

people in Africa who drink contaminated food or drink. In young children, this
condition can cause high fever, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea and inattention.

2. Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacterium that can cause infection if taken through

contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include fever, abdominal cramps,
diarrhea, headache, and sometimes vomiting and loss of appetite. These symptoms
usually last 4 to 7 days and may be more severe in infants and adults.

3. Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial disease that usually spreads in contaminated water. This is a

critical situation that kills 95,000 people every year, according to the CDC. The
infection may occasionally be mild or asymptomatic, with one in about 10 people
experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, leg cramps and watery diarrhea.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is accompanied by inflammation of the intestines and often bloody diarrhea.

The condition is caused by viruses, parasites or bacteria that are often found in
contaminated water. Symptoms appear 1 to 3 days after infection and may include
numbness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

5. EColi

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common type of bacterium found in the intestines of
healthy humans. However, there are some bad strains of bacteria that can cause serious
symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Drinking water
contaminated with human or animal feces takes dangerous species of E. coli.

6. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can be transmitted through

ingestion of contaminated food or water. The most common symptoms of this condition
are fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and jaundice. Most cases of
hepatitis A resolve on their own within two months.

7. Hepatitis E
6

Hepatitis E is another type of liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is often
associated with contaminated water in unhygienic countries. People with hepatitis E
may experience fever, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, vomiting, joint pain and other
uncomfortable symptoms.

8. Parasitic infection

Harmful parasites found in contaminated water can be swallowed, causing serious

infections in the body. Parasitic infections cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms
such as diarrhea and diarrhea. These infections can also cause symptoms such as
dehydration, weight loss and the flu.

9. Botulism

Botulism is a rare toxin caused by a toxin called Clostridium botulinum. Bacterial

paralysis begins on the face and spreads to the limbs. This condition can cause
respiratory failure if the muscles used to spread and breathe freeze.

10. Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a serious condition that is usually spread by contaminated food or

water. Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite and
headache. Rarely, internal bleeding and death may occur.

Condition of drinking water in India

7

40% of Indians will have no access to drinking water by 2030: NITI Commission

India is facing the worst water crisis in its history, and a new report by the NITI
Commission - Government Think Tank - says 21 Indian cities will run out of
groundwater by 2020 - "an immediate and better source of water resources".
Highlighted the need for management.

About 600 million Indians face high-to-high water pressure - where more than 40% of
the available surface water is used each year - and every year 200,000 people die due to
insufficient access to safe water, a situation that is likely to develop. According to the
Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report released on 14 June 2018, water
demand will surpass supply by 2050. While Indian cities are struggling for water
supply, the commission has called for "immediate action" as the growing shortage is
also affecting India's food security.

India accounts for 4% of the world's freshwater and 16% of the population. Samrat
Basak, an expert on water issues at the World Resources Institute (WRI), said the
growing demand for water-based farming methods and energy for industrial, energy
production and domestic use is a significant priority over India's limited water
resources.

Considered an NITI ayog annual tool, the index estimates nine broad regions and states
on 28 indicators, including groundwater, irrigation, agricultural practices, and drinking
water.

Since water is a state matter, the decision rests with the states. Amitabh Kant, Chief
Executive Officer, NITI ayog, wrote in the report, "This indicator is an effort by the
States and Union Territories to work for the efficient and optimal use of water and
recycling."

14 out of 24 states scored less than 50% on water management and food security
8

In 2015–16, 14 of the 24 states scored less than 50% on water management and were
classified as "performing". These states are concentrated in the populated agricultural
areas of northern and eastern India and the northeastern and Himalayan states.

Gujarat had the best score with 76%, followed by Madhya Pradesh (69%) and Andhra
Pradesh (68%).

Seven states scored 50-65% between Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu,
Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura and were classified as "moderate
performers".

According to the report, "Water index scores vary widely across states, but most states
achieve scores of less than 50% and significantly improve their water resource
management practices."

Unequal distribution and availability

It is estimated that 81 per cent of households use 40 liters of water per day through hard
source, while 18 to 20 per cent of rural households in India have connections to piped
water supply. This has led to imbalances in water availability and supply.

According to the Nitish Aayog’s overall water management index, 75 per cent of
households do not have access to drinking water and 84 per cent of rural households do
not have access to piped water.

Water is not properly distributed where it is supplied through pipes. In mega cities like
Delhi and Mumbai, a person gets standard 150 liters (LPCD) of standard municipal
water per day, while others get 40-50 LPCD.

The World Health Organization recommends 25 liters of water per day to meet all basic
hygiene and food needs. According to WHO estimates, the excess water available is used
for non-potable purposes such as wiping and cleaning.

The Ministry of Hydropower has made it mandatory to address water issues, including
the availability of drinking water, through a comprehensive and comprehensive
approach. It has already set ambitious work to provide pipe-to-water connections to
every household in India by 2024. It is possible to control drinking water consumption.
9

However, preventing pipeline water leakage in urban areas can be another challenge. It
is estimated that about 40 per cent of piped water leaks in India.

Sewage

Arithmetically, India still has a water surplus and receives enough annual rainfall to
meet the needs of more than a billion people. According to the Central Water
Commission, India needs a maximum of 3,000 billion cubic meters of water a year,
while it receives 4,000 billion cubic meters of rainfall.

But the problem is that India has the lowest rainfall in the world at only eight per cent
of its annual rainfall. Traditional methods of capturing water in ponds are gone due to
growing population and demands for generous implementation of city planning rules.

India is also poor in domestic wastewater treatment and reuse. About 80 per cent of
water in India reaches homes as waste flows through sewage to pollute other water
sources, including rivers and other lands.

On the other side of the spectrum is Israel, which is in the desert and has learned to deal
with the water crisis situation.

Law regulating groundwater

It is interesting to note that the Convenience Act of 1882 authorized each landlord to
collect and dispose of groundwater and surface water within its limits. This law
regulates a person's use of water on his land.

In addition, water falls on the state list of the Constitution which means only state
governments can enact regulatory legislation. In 2011, the central government
published a model bill for groundwater management for the states.

Not all states have adopted the matching law, which supports the principle that
resources should not be transferred into private ownership for public use.

Finally, the loss of wetlands and water resources

Almost every city and village in the country has also occupied its wetlands, water
resources and rivers to meet the needs of a growing population. About two dozen water
sources and wetlands in Chennai are struggling with water scarcity, but most of them
10

are not in use today. The latest estimate is that only nine of them can be reclaimed as
water resources.

According to a survey conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, 70% of freshwater

wetlands and lakes in the country, the largest river basin in the country, have been lost
to the Ganges floodplains. TheThe Standing Committee on Water Resources, which
submitted its report to Parliament in December 2015, found that groundwater
development in 92 per cent of the country's districts was safe in 1995, down from 71 per
cent in 2011.

On the other hand, the percentage of districts where groundwater levels were high in
1995 increased from 3 to 15 in 2011. Water security has deteriorated further since then.

Innovative ways to solve India’s water crisis

Water observer

The water watcher is as good as a device that produces water from thin air! In rural
areas the population often has to travel long distances to find fresh water. The water
reader receives water from all areas. Moisture in the air is absorbed and condensed
using appropriate temperature differences. The water is then collected underground
and drained through a water pump for daily use. Water Sear can be easily installed
anywhere. It produces more than ten gallons of pure drinking water per day and thus
helps to improve the water crisis.

Low cost water filtration

Instead of banking on primary sources to obtain water, it can be used to filter already
used water. Filtering may be less expensive than obtaining or transporting fresh water
to arid areas. Some such low-cost filtration systems can use contaminated water

Cleanse it for body and daily use. The filter system is so easy to use the bucket as a
reservoir. Large impurities can be removed at this stage. Second round cleaning uses
cleaning materials to remove any harmful viruses, bacteria and contaminants. Tests
have shown that this water is as clean and drinkable as any other source of fresh water.
Water can be stored in separate rooms to serve as a reservoir. It is a very cost effective
method to produce safe and clean drinking water in faulty areas.
11

Water cycle

The water cycle is an affordable rural solution to the water crisis. This method was
discovered in India as early as 4000 BC. Water collection is another problem in rural
areas where fresh water resources are available but they do not bring water and shops
to the villages for long. This water is stored in drums and other containers that are
susceptible to insect breeding and other harmful diseases that can cause organisms. This
water is very difficult to take to the destination because it is often done manually. The
water cycle is a fifty liter container that can only transport water by rolling

And container from freshwater source. This not only saves time, but also maintains and
purifies clean water when needed. It is more healthy to drink and can ensure a
continuous and fast water supply.

Digitization of water supply

This is an interesting idea in some countries where water is scarce. Although water
pumps and water sources are installed in rural areas, there is no prescribed way to use
water responsibly and it is not wasted. Most extraction is done manually and water is a
commodity that is very difficult to ration depending on the nature of the underground
storage. Water digitization is the installation of a digital meter and tap card at such
water facilities. The access to water on the card can be determined by population in the
population

House or village depending on the nature of the extraction. The tap card has a daily
limit and emergency transactions are only allowed in cases. This is something that can
be installed even in urban areas. Urban households produce more sewage than rural
households. Water digitization will help solve the water crisis in the country

Conclusion

The risk of harmful contaminants in drinking water can no longer be justifiably

ignored. The link between contaminated drinking water and many important diseases
and health problems is very strong for relief.

In fact, municipal water treatment facilities have reduced the presence of further
harmful contaminants, and the EPA has set maximum contamination levels, which can
12

be considered as safe contaminants to enter the body. Municipal treatment facilities are
not wrong, and EPA levels do not indicate the level of protection for each individual.
Children, the elderly and those who are already immunocompromised are especially at
risk of drinking water contamination. Two of the most volatile drinking water, chlorine
and fluoride, are actually treatment additives. In addition, lead, one of the more
harmful contaminants, enters drinking water after treatment and is not regulated by
municipal water systems. Therefore, municipal water systems may not be reliable
enough to provide healthy, clean drinking water.

There are many home remedies that can purify drinking water far beyond the city’s
treatment plants. Reverse osmosis and distillation, these two options, are moderately
successful in removing some contaminants, but they are expensive and useless. Bottled
water, being expensive and highly inefficient as a major drinking water source, does not
comply with the same government regulations as municipal water systems and may in
fact be more polluted than tap water.