CM 3.2 Water Quality Standards

The Importance of Water Quality Standards and Safe Drinking Water

Introduction Water is a fundamental necessity for life, and access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining public health. Water quality standards are established to ensure that drinking water is free from contaminants that may pose risks to human health. These standards are set by international and national organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This essay explores the importance of water quality standards, the consequences of consuming unsafe water, and the necessary measures for maintaining water safety.

What is Safe Water? Safe water is defined as water that is free from harmful contaminants, including microbial, chemical, and radiological impurities. It should meet specific physical, chemical, biological, and radiological standards to ensure human health. Safe water should be clear, devoid of harmful chemicals, and free from disease-causing microorganisms. Natural sources of safe water include springs, artesian wells, glacial meltwater, properly harvested rainwater, and deep groundwater.

Consequences of Drinking Unsafe Water Consumption of contaminated water can lead to severe health issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal diseases: Diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera caused by bacterial contamination.
• Parasitic infections: Diseases such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.
• Heavy metal poisoning: Lead and arsenic contamination can lead to neurological disorders and organ damage.
• Chemical toxicity: Pesticides and industrial pollutants may cause endocrine and nervous system disruptions.
• Long-term health effects: Chronic exposure to unsafe water can result in kidney damage, cancer, and developmental problems in children.

Water Quality Standards Water quality standards classify drinking water based on four major aspects:

1. Acceptability aspects
   • Color: Less than 15 TCU (True Color Units)
   • Taste and odor: Pleasant and free from metallic or chlorine taste
   • Turbidity: Below 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)
   • Temperature: Ideally between 10-15°C
   • pH level: Between 6.5 – 8.5
   • Inorganic constituents: Sodium (<200 mg/L), Chlorides (<250 mg/L), Sulphates (<200 mg/L), Zinc (<4 mg/L), Copper (<1 mg/L), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) below 1000 mg/L
2. Microbiological aspects
   • Coliform bacteria: Must be absent in 100 mL of water
   • E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms: Must not be present
   • Viruses and parasites: Should be effectively removed through filtration and disinfection (e.g., 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine residual after 30 minutes at pH 8)
3. Chemical aspects
   • Fluoride: 0.7 – 1.2 mg/L
   • Nitrate: Less than 10 mg/L
   • Heavy metals: Lead (<0.01 mg/L), Arsenic (<0.01 mg/L), Mercury (<0.001 mg/L)
   • Pesticides & industrial chemicals: Must be absent or within permissible limits
4. Radiological standards
   • Alpha emitters: Below 0.5 Bq/L
   • Beta emitters: Below 1 Bq/L
   • Radon: Below 100 Bq/L

Monitoring and Surveillance of Drinking Water Ensuring compliance with water quality standards requires monitoring by various organizations:

• Regional public health laboratories conduct local water quality tests.
• Environmental protection agencies oversee regulatory compliance.
• Water utility companies perform routine testing of municipal water supplies.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocate for clean water and conduct independent testing.

Water Testing and Surveillance Water testing should be conducted under specific conditions:

• Regular testing (annually) for private wells
• After natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes
• When water changes in appearance or taste
• After plumbing repairs to check for contamination
• If recurrent health issues arise in the community

Testing Procedure:

• Use a sterile container from a certified lab
• Flush the water system for 2-3 minutes before sample collection
• Label and seal the sample properly
• Transport the sample within 24 hours for testing

Conclusion Safe drinking water is essential for human health and well-being. Water quality standards play a crucial role in ensuring that water is free from contaminants that could cause serious illnesses. Government agencies, laboratories, and the public must work together to monitor water quality, conduct regular testing, and enforce compliance with established standards. Through proper surveillance and adherence to water safety guidelines, the risk of waterborne diseases can be minimized, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all.

1. According to the article, what is the acceptable pH range for safe drinking water?

A) 5.0 – 7.0
B) 6.5 – 8.5
C) 7.5 – 9.5
D) 8.0 – 10.0

Answer: B) 6.5 – 8.5

2. What is the maximum permissible turbidity level for drinking water as per the article?

A) 1 NTU
B) 5 NTU
C) 10 NTU
D) 15 NTU

Answer: A) 1 NTU

3. Which of the following statements about microbiological standards for drinking water is correct according to the article?

A) Total coliforms must not exceed 10 MPN/100 mL
B) E. coli may be present in minimal amounts
C) Coliform bacteria must be absent in 100 mL of water
D) Presence of thermotolerant coliforms is acceptable

Answer: C) Coliform bacteria must be absent in 100 mL of water

4. What is the acceptable concentration range for fluoride in drinking water as mentioned in the article?

A) 0.1 – 0.5 mg/L
B) 0.7 – 1.2 mg/L
C) 1.5 – 2.0 mg/L
D) 2.0 – 2.5 mg/L

Answer: B) 0.7 – 1.2 mg/L

5. According to the article, what is the maximum acceptable level of lead in drinking water?

A) 0.05 mg/L
B) 0.01 mg/L
C) 0.1 mg/L
D) 0.5 mg/L

Answer: B) 0.01 mg/L

6. What is the recommended temperature range for drinking water to be considered acceptable as per the article?

A) 0–5°C
B) 5–10°C
C) 10–15°C
D) 15–20°C

Answer: C) 10–15°C

7. Which of the following is NOT listed as a natural source of safe water in the article?

A) Springs
B) Artesian wells
C) Glacial meltwater
D) Surface runoff

Answer: D) Surface runoff

8. What is the maximum acceptable level of arsenic in drinking water according to the article?

A) 0.05 mg/L
B) 0.01 mg/L
C) 0.005 mg/L
D) 0.1 mg/L

Answer: B) 0.01 mg/L

9. Which of the following is a recommended condition for conducting water testing as per the article?

A) Only during summer months
B) After plumbing repairs
C) When water appears clear
D) Every five years

Answer: B) After plumbing repairs

10. What is the maximum acceptable level of beta emitters in drinking water as mentioned in the article?

A) 0.1 Bq/L
B) 0.5 Bq/L
C) 1 Bq/L
D) 5 Bq/L

Answer: C) 1 Bq/L