Beyond the tap: The hidden dangers of rural groundwater

Groundwater in Nagla Chandi, a village in Uttar Pradesh is primarily sourced from hand-dug wells equipped with hand pumps. A paper compares two rural water supply sources in the village: untreated groundwater from bore wells and treated water from a reverse osmosis plant.

This research focusses on the intricate relationship between water scarcity, security, and sustainability within an Indian rural context. It highlights the significant health risks associated with contaminated groundwater. The water quality tests conducted in the village indicate that borewell water is highly contaminated with several harmful minerals and chemicals that exceed the acceptable limits outlined in Indian Standard (IS) 10500:2012.

Key contaminants found in untreated borewell water:

• Turbidity: Measured at 5.4 NTU, exceeding the permissible limit of 1 NTU.

• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Found to be 3,748 mg/L, far above the acceptable threshold of 500 mg/L.

• Total Hardness: Measured at 1,030 mg/L, surpassing the permissible limit of 200 mg/L.

• Chlorides: Recorded at 1,129 mg/L, exceeding the maximum allowable concentration of 250 mg/L.

• Magnesium: Measured at 186 mg/L, above the 30 mg/L threshold.

• Iron: Found at 1.51 mg/L, which exceeds the permissible limit of 1 mg/L.

Treated water from the RO plant

In contrast, the Reverse Osmosis (RO) water provided through the Jivamritam filtration system meets the potable water standards set by IS 10500:2012. The RO plant, installed by Amrita Live-in-Labs® as part of their initiative to provide clean drinking water to rural areas, successfully removes the harmful contaminants present in the groundwater.

The key parameters of treated water, such as TDS (442 mg/L) and total hardness (106 mg/L), fall within the acceptable range, making it safe for drinking.

Table: Comparative results of water quality tests (Borewell vs. RO water)

The significant reduction in contaminants through RO filtration highlights the effectiveness of the system. However, the RO plant faces operational challenges, including frequent breakdowns and poor community uptake, due to user fees associated with treated water.

Health implications of water contamination

Impact of untreated groundwater

The health impacts of consuming contaminated borewell water in Nagla Chandi are profound. The most common illnesses reported by villagers include gastrointestinal diseases, skin conditions, and dental problems, all of which can be traced back to poor water quality. For example:

• High Turbidity: High levels of suspended particles in water can harbour bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of diarrhoea and other waterborne illnesses.

• Excess Iron: Elevated iron levels cause not only aesthetic issues like tooth discoloration but also increase the risk of iron overload in the body, which can lead to liver and heart conditions over time.

• Magnesium and Hardness: Water hardness and excess magnesium are linked to digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhoea, particularly among sensitive populations like children and the elderly.

Benefits of treated RO water

In contrast, the RO-treated water was free from these harmful contaminants, significantly improving the health outcomes for households that used it. The RO system effectively removed excess iron, magnesium, and other minerals that were contributing to the health issues in the village. However, despite the benefits, villagers expressed reluctance to pay for treated water, particularly in low-income households where economic constraints force them to rely on free but contaminated borewell water.

Water security and sustainability

The case of Nagla Chandi reflects broader issues of water security and sustainability in rural India. While the introduction of the RO plant offers a solution to water contamination, its long-term sustainability is in question. The plant frequently breaks down due to a lack of local technical expertise in maintaining and repairing the system. Additionally, the community’s reluctance to pay for water means that the system is underutilised, reducing the funds available for operation and maintenance (O&M).

Proposed solutions for enhancing water security

• Capacity building for local water management: To ensure the sustainability of water treatment systems like the RO plant, local artisans and Panchayat members should be trained in system repair and maintenance. This would reduce downtime and improve community trust in the system.

• Lowering water testing costs: Regular water quality testing is essential for detecting contamination early. Reducing the cost of these tests would enable local organisations to conduct frequent assessments, allowing them to take timely corrective action.

• Community sensitisation on water safety: Educating the community about the long-term health benefits of using treated water can help increase uptake. Sensitisation campaigns should focus on raising awareness about the dangers of consuming untreated water and promoting the use of safe, treated water.

• Subsidising water for low-income households: To make treated water accessible to all, the government could introduce subsidies for water treatment, ensuring that even low-income households can afford to use clean water. Additionally, introducing water ATMs and smartcards could streamline the distribution of water, making it more convenient for villagers to access treated water at an affordable rate.

• Improving water infrastructure: Expanding water infrastructure, such as installing piped water systems that deliver treated water directly to homes, would reduce the reliance on contaminated groundwater. In the long term, this could significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.

Policy recommendations for rural water security

• Investment in rural water infrastructure: Investment in robust water infrastructure is critical to achieving water security in rural India. Government schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission should focus not only on providing access to water but also on ensuring the quality of water supplied.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborating with private entities through PPP models can help improve the functionality of rural water systems by bringing in technical expertise and financial resources. The successful models implemented in Uganda and Ghana, which focus on community-based water management, could serve as templates for similar efforts in India.

• Monitoring and regulation: There is a need for strategic water quality management plans at both the national and local levels. Regular monitoring of water sources, along with clear action plans for contamination mitigation, would help ensure the safety and sustainability of rural water systems.

Conclusion

The study of Nagla Chandi village demonstrates the stark contrast between untreated groundwater and treated RO water in terms of quality and health impacts. While technologies like the RO system offer a solution to water contamination, their sustainability depends on community participation, technical expertise, and government support. Addressing these challenges through capacity building, investment in infrastructure, and community education will be key to improving water security and public health in rural India.

By focusing on both access and quality, India can make significant strides toward achieving SDG 6 and ensuring that rural populations have safe, sustainable drinking water.