Water quality and water purification

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  • Safe drinking water is the birthright of all humankind – as much a birthright as clean air.
  • The majority of the world’s Population, however, does not have access to safe drinking water. This is certainly true in most parts of Africa and Asia. Even in relatively advanced countries such as India, safe drinking water is not readily available, particularly in rural areas.
  • One reason safe drinking water is of paramount concern is that 75 percent of all diseases in developing countries arise from polluted drinking water.
  • Knowledge about how to make water safe for consumption is rare in most developing countries.
  • We simply must do a better job of raising public awareness and understanding about the nature of the problem and the technologies and strategies that are available to address it.

Background

  • Safe drinking water is a human birthright – as much a birthright as clean air. However, much of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. Of the 6 billion people on earth, more than one billion (one in six) lack access to safe drinking water.
  • Moreover, about 2.5 billion (more than one in three) do not have access to adequate sanitation Services. Together, these shortcomings spawn waterborne diseases that kill on Average more than 6 million children each year (about 20,000 children a day). Water covers 70 percent of the globe’s surface, but most is saltwater.
  • Freshwater covers only 3 percent of the earth’s surface and much of it lies frozen in the Antarctic and Greenland polar ice.
  • Freshwater that is available for human consumption comes from rivers, lakes and underground sources and aquifers. Together these sources account for just 1 percent of all water on earth. Six billion people depend on this supply and a significant portion of the world’s population now face water shortages.

Ways to save and replenish

  • We must meet the world’s growing demand for freshwater.
  • However, we must do so with limited financial Resources and with practices that minimize ecological disruption.
  • An analysis of the situation suggests that our goals can be reached. Experts have proposed a four-fold path towards a viable solution for making water both potable and safe:
  • Seek new sources
  • Save and redistribute supplies
  • Reduce demand
  • Recycle
  • Some of these approaches are global in nature, while others are regional, national, local and even family-specific.
  • These efforts will ultimately succeed only when we empower people with the knowledge and means to address the issue on their own.

Individuals and communities Role in Safe Water

Efforts need not be left solely to governmental and nongovernmental agencies. Individuals, families and communities also have a vital role to play. Such responsibilities include:

  1. Water harvesting at home, schools and community buildings
  2. Water recycling at the microlevel, including at homes, buildings and communities
  3. Saving water by ensuring taps and pipes are not leaky and by using optimum amounts of water for washing and toilet flushing
  4. Making sure that the water is purified by methods suited to family conditions and needs
  5. Maintaining proper levels of sanitation at home

Private Industry and nongovernmental organizations role in Safe Drinking Water SUpply

Many countries – for example, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and Nepal – have active nongovernmental organizations that involve communities in the funding and implementation of programmes designed to transform arid and semiarid terrains into productive agricultural regions receiving sufficient amounts of water. Such efforts should be expanded by:

  • Exchanging information among and between industry and nongovernmental organizations on relevant and novel methods and strategies
  • Focusing on sociological factors that may have an impact on the most suitable technologies and programmes for a given region/ community
  • Ensuring Equity in both services and benefits
  • Involving communities in all aspects of water harvesting, recycling, storage, purification and supply
  • Coordinating efforts among governmental and intergovernmental sectors for the purposes of achieving harmonious processes and results.

Various Initiatives by Ministry of Drinking Water

The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP)

  • The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing adequate and safe drinking water to the rural population of the country.
  • The NRDWP is a component of Bharat Nirman which focuses on the creation of rural Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.
  • This has resulted in the provision of significant additional resources to the sector and for creating an Environment for the development of infrastructure and capacities for the successful operation of drinking water supply schemes in rural areas.

Bharat Nirman

  • Bharat Nirman was launched by the Government of India in 2005 as a programme to build rural infrastructure.
  • While Phase-I of the programme was implemented in the period 2005-06 to 2008-09, the Phase-II was implemented from 2009-10 to 2011-12. Rural drinking water is one of the six components of Bharat Nirman.
  • Funds provided under the NRDWP are counted towards the Bharat Nirman also and no additional funds are provided under Bharat Nirman

Scheme for providing safe drinking water supply through community water purification Plants in fluoride, arsenic, uranium and other heavy/toxic metals and pesticide/fertilizer affected rural habitations in the country

  • The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) funds for supplying “safe” water in contaminated areas are being utilized by the States as a policy mostly for alternate safe Piped Water Supply (PWS) schemes including Multivillage schemes (MVS) (i. e., from far away safe sources) the gestation period of such MVS projects is about 4-5 years.
  • Since the rural people cannot be put to risk due to consumption of unsafe drinking water in the interim period as also whereas all such Multi-Village Schemes carrying safe water from far away sources cannot be planned and completed in the span of 4-5 years due to huge funds involved, hence, the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has submitted an EFC proposal to provide community water purification plants in fluoride, arsenic, uranium and other heavy/toxic metals and pesticide/fertilizer affected rural habitations in the country for providing safe drinking water immediately with an anticipated expenditure of total capital cost of Rs 3,600 crore with fund sharing pattern of 75:25 (90:10 in case of NE, J&K) between Centre and State in approx 20,000 habitations during the period 2014-15 to 2016-17.

Combined Water Supply Schemes (CWSS)

  • Combined Water Supply Schemes are being implemented where more than one local body, either rural or urban with a common source of water supply is involved with financial assistance under the Minimum Needs Programme, National Rural Drinking Water Programme and with funding from financial institutions like TUFIDCO, TNUIFSL, NABARD and Asian Development Bank.
  • During 2009 – 10 combined water supply schemes have been completed to benefit 4352 rural habitations and 41 towns at a cost of Rs. 795.04 crores. Presently Board is maintaining 422 CWSS in the state to serve 10,101 habitations benefiting populations of 131.59 lakhs which is about 20 percent of the state population

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Water quality is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose. It is a measure of the physical, chemical, biological, and radiological properties of water. Water quality is affected by natural processes such as weathering and erosion, as well as human activities such as agriculture, industry, and sewage disposal.

Water quality standards are set by governments to protect human Health and the environment. These standards typically include limits on the concentrations of pollutants in water. Water quality testing is conducted to determine whether water meets these standards. Water quality monitoring is conducted to track changes in water quality over time. Water quality management is the process of ensuring that water meets quality standards.

Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from water. This can be done through a variety of methods, including filtration, disinfection, and desalination. Water treatment is a broader term that encompasses all of the processes involved in making water safe to drink.

Water filtration is the process of removing suspended particles from water. This can be done through a variety of methods, including mechanical filtration, chemical filtration, and biological filtration. Mechanical filtration uses physical barriers to remove particles from water. Chemical filtration uses chemicals to remove particles from water. Biological filtration uses living organisms to remove particles from water.

Water disinfection is the process of killing harmful Microorganisms in water. This can be done through a variety of methods, including chlorination, ozonation, and ultraviolet Light treatment. Chlorination is the most common method of disinfection. Ozonation is a more effective method of disinfection, but it is also more expensive. Ultraviolet light treatment is a newer method of disinfection that is becoming increasingly popular.

Water desalination is the process of removing salt from water. This can be done through a variety of methods, including distillation, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. Distillation is the most common method of desalination. Reverse osmosis is a more effective method of desalination, but it is also more expensive. Electrodialysis is a newer method of desalination that is becoming increasingly popular.

Water recycling is the process of reusing water that has already been used. This can be done through a variety of methods, including wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, and graywater reuse. Wastewater treatment is the most common method of water recycling. Rainwater harvesting is a more sustainable method of water recycling, but it is also more difficult to implement. Graywater reuse is a newer method of water recycling that is becoming increasingly popular.

Water reuse is the process of using water that has already been used for another purpose. This can be done through a variety of methods, including Irrigation, industrial use, and toilet flushing. Irrigation is the most common method of water reuse. Industrial use is a more efficient method of water reuse, but it is also more expensive. Toilet flushing is a newer method of water reuse that is becoming increasingly popular.

Water quality is essential for human health and the environment. By understanding the different aspects of water quality, we can take steps to protect our Water Resources and ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about water quality and water purification:

  • What is water quality?
    Water quality is a measure of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water. It is important to ensure that water is safe for drinking, bathing, and other uses.

  • What are the different types of water quality problems?
    There are many different types of water quality problems, including:

    • Contamination with bacteria, viruses, and parasites
    • Contamination with chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides
    • Sedimentation and turbidity
    • Eutrophication
    • Salinization

  • How can water be purified?
    There are many different ways to purify water, including:

    • Boiling
    • Filtration
    • Distillation
    • Reverse osmosis
    • Ultraviolet light treatment

  • What are the benefits of drinking purified water?
    There are many benefits to drinking purified water, including:

    • Reduced risk of illness
    • Improved taste
    • Increased hydration
    • Improved skin health

  • What are the risks of drinking contaminated water?
    There are many risks associated with drinking contaminated water, including:

    • Gastrointestinal illness
    • Liver damage
    • Kidney damage
    • Nervous system damage
    • Cancer

  • How can I protect myself from drinking contaminated water?
    There are many things you can do to protect yourself from drinking contaminated water, including:

    • Only drink water that has been tested and certified safe to drink.
    • Boil water for at least one minute before drinking it.
    • Filter water using a certified filter.
    • Disinfect water using a bleach solution.
    • Use bottled water if you are unsure of the safety of the water supply.

  • What is the future of water quality?
    The future of water quality is uncertain. The world’s population is growing, and demand for water is increasing. This is putting a strain on water resources, and water quality is declining in many parts of the world. Climate change is also having a negative impact on water quality, as it is causing more extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. These events can contaminate water supplies with sediment, chemicals, and bacteria.

  • What can I do to help improve water quality?
    There are many things you can do to help improve water quality, including:

    • Conserve water.
    • Reduce your use of chemicals.
    • Recycle and compost.
    • Support organizations that are working to improve water quality.
    • Contact your elected officials and let them know that you care about water quality.

  1. Which of the following is not a type of water treatment?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Combustion

  2. Which of the following is the most common type of water treatment?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Combustion

  3. What is the purpose of water treatment?
    (A) To remove impurities from water
    (B) To make water safe to drink
    (C) To make water suitable for industrial use
    (D) All of the above

  4. Which of the following is not an impurity that can be removed from water by treatment?
    (A) Sediment
    (B) Bacteria
    (C) Viruses
    (D) Combustion products

  5. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove bacteria from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Chlorination

  6. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove viruses from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Ultraviolet treatment

  7. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove chemicals from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Activated carbon treatment

  8. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove heavy metals from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Ion exchange

  9. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove dissolved Minerals from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Reverse osmosis

  10. Which of the following is the most effective way to remove organic matter from water?
    (A) Sedimentation
    (B) Filtration
    (C) Distillation
    (D) Activated carbon treatment