This document summarizes key issues related to water and health in India. It discusses how groundwater is a major source that is often polluted, causing many waterborne infections. Several media reports indicate high levels of surface water pollution from sewage, chemicals from industries like tanneries and textiles, and other sources. Specific problems highlighted include high fluoride, arsenic, and chromium contamination. The document calls for more sustainable local water management and protection of local water sources, as well as public-private partnerships to address these critical water and health challenges in India.
1 of 19
Download to read offline
More Related Content
Speaker subi sundresan_water_rev2
1. WATER AND HEALTH
A Presentation by:
Sundaresan Subramanian (Subi)
at the 13th International Conference
Organized by:
India Development Coalition of America (IDCA), Chicago
at IIT Rice Campus, Wheaton, IL
On October 17, 2015
2. Incredible India!
An ancient country that traditionally worships the five elements
- severely impacted now by the abuse of the same elements!
3. Water and Health
A Snapshot of Current Water Scenario in India
Groundwater a major source of water in the country
Water sources polluted by chemicals and microbes
Waterborne infections cause majority of sicknesses
Many critical issues related to water and health
4. Water Pollution in India
Some Media Reports
An alarming 80% of Indias surface water is polluted
(WaterAid, an international organization working for water -TOI, June 28, 2015)
Water pollution making Aravali villagers sick
(TOI, September 29, 2015)
Water Leads to Ailments in Pallavaram
(New Indian Express, August 18, 2014)
70% of Indias water supply is polluted with sewage effluents
(United Nations Childrens Fund Resource report - India Water Portal)
5. Water and Health
Water - Boon or Bane?
Water pollution leads to life-
threatening diseases
Major parameters of concern:
Fluoride
Arsenic
Chrome, Salt
Dyes and Chemicals
Sewage
Microbes
6. Water and Health - Key Issue # 1
1. High Fluoride
Health Impact
Solution
Fluoride Removal Unit
7. Water and Health Key Issue # 2
2. Arsenic
Health Impact
Highly carcinogenic
Skin lesions,cancers in the
liver, lungs, kidney, bladder
Solution
Arsenic Removal Unit
Issues: Poor Maintenance, Clogging
8. Water and Health - Key Issue # 2
2. Arsenic In-situ treatment
Replaces conventional pump and treat systems
Demo project thru a CSG grant initiative in WB
Many companies implemented such projects
9. Water and Health - Key Issue # 3
3. Chromium
Untreated Chromate industrial waste in TN
Yellow-leachate percolates through ground
Contaminates soil and ground water all around
A critical issue for long - yet to be addressed!
10. Water Quality and Health - Key Issue # 3
3. Chromium in Tanneries
Tanneries use chromium salts and tanning liquor
Clusters have Common Effluent Treatment Plants
Salt used for hide and skin preservation
High salinity of effluents impact water quality
Need innovative technologies for salt reduction
11. Water and Health - Key Issue # 4
4. Dyes and Chemicals
Used widely in the textile and garment industries
Polluted effluents flow into water-bodies; leads to
Skin diseases, respiratory problems and gastritis
Serious concern to farmers, livestock and residents
Clusters have Common Effluent Treatment Plants
but problems persist
12. Water and Health - Key Issue # 5
5. Sewage
The Water & Sanitation Crisis in India
Huge and Growing population;
Poor hygiene practices
302 Class I cities and 467 Class II towns with
no sewage treatment facilities
Over three-fourths of the sewage flows
untreated into water sources, causing stink,
breeding insects impacting human health
13. Water and Health - Key Issue # 6
6. Bio-pollution
Microbial contamination - a predominant form
of pollution in surface water bodies
Leakage through aging water supply and
sanitation systems
Contamination of water sources by leaching
of sewage
Poor public hygiene practices
Severe impact on human health
14. Water and Health
Challenges
Multiple sources of pollution: rural, urban, and industrial
Water pollution is predominantly manmade
Poor management, lack of concern, unclear laws, corruption,
indifferent attitudes and aging systems contribute to the issues
Pressing need to address critical issues innovatively
15. The Way Forward
Shift focus to local management, control and distribution
Relook how we manage our water resources
Plan on Sustainable groundwater management
Protect and prioritise local waterbodies like ponds and wells
Reducing industrial water footprint
Recycling and reuse of waste water
16. Some Local Solutions
Pudukkulam a very old unpolluted drinking water
pond in Pudukottai still in existence!
Ram sagar, an old pond recently revived by
villagers, in Bapu Gaon, Rajasthan
17. More Local Solutions
This step-well near the Karnimata temple in the Aravalli region is among the
several water bodies revived by a civil engineer in Rajasthan
18. Water and Health
Recommendations
Outreach through public/private partnerships; innovative
environmental campaigns; awareness & hygiene education
Rehabilitate old wells with purification equipment
Water harvesting, or capturing and storing pure rainwater
Surprisingly, sometimes the old ways are the best!