What is the population access to Safe Drinking Water in India?
As of 2020, about 88% of India's population had access to basic drinking water services, but only 61% had access to safely managed drinking water services, which include safe water at home, available when needed, and free from contamination.
What are common Water Quality Issues?
Contamination
Water is contaminated with harmful substances such as arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates. Around 60 million people are at risk due to high fluoride levels, and over 13 million people are at risk from arsenic contamination.
Bacteriological Contamination
Water sources in India are contaminated with harmful bacteria, leading to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. This is a major health issue, especially in rural areas where water treatment facilities are limited. In India, waterborne diseases causes over 1,600 deaths annually. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Represents the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. TDS comprises inorganic salts and a small amount of organic matter as well. The TDS level is how much of the total dissolved solids are present in the water. Although elevated levels of TDS in drinking water is not a health hazard, it causes water hardness and lend the water a bitter, salty, or brackish taste.
Water Scarcity in India
By 2030, India's water demand is expected to be twice the available supply, which could result in severe water scarcity for millions of people. By 2030, 40% of India's population may face some form of water stress.