WATER QUALITY ISSUES IN INDIA

Satish Verma

Water is Precious and scarce Resource

Only a small fraction (about 3%) is fresh water India is wettest country in the world, but rainfall is highly uneven with time and space (with extremely low in Rajasthan and high in North-East) On an avergae there are only 40 rainy days Out of 4000 BCM rainfall received, about 600 BCM is put to use so far Water resources are over-exploited resulting in major WQ problems
2

Water use in India (Year 2000)

Sector
Irrigation Domestic Industry Energy Other Total

Water use in BCM 541

42 8 2 41 634

percent
85.33 6.62 1.26 0.32 6.47 100.00
3

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Preamble: Maintaining and restoring of wholesomeness of water level of WQ Provision for consent Every polluter (industry or municipality) has to obtain consent from SPCBs/PCCs Consent is conditional Standards prescribed for effluents Monitoring the compliance
4

Major Water Quality Issues

Common issues of Surface and Ground water
Pathogenic (Bacteriological) Pollution Salinity Toxicity (micro-pollutants and other industrial pollutants)

Surface Water
Eutrophication Oxygen depletion Ecological health
5

Ground Water
Fluoride Nitrate Arsenic Iron Sea water intrusion

Major Factors Responsible for WQ Degradation

Domestic: 423 class I cities and 499 class II towns harboring population of 20 Crore generate about 26254 mld of wastewater of which only 6955 mld is treated. Industrial: About 57,000 polluting industries in India generate about 13,468 mld of wastewater out of which nearly 60% (generated from large & medium industries) is treated. Non-point sources also contribute significant pollution loads mainly in rainy season. Pesticides consumption is about 1,00,000 tonnes/year of which AP, Haryana, Punjab, TN, WB, Gujarat, UP and Maharashtra are principal consumers. Domestic sewage is the major source of pollution in India in surface water which contribute pathogens, the main source of water borne diseases along with depletion of oxygen in water bodies. Sewage alongwith agricultural run-off and industrial effluents also contributes large amount of nutrients in surface water causing eutrophication A large part of the domestic sewage is not even collected. This results in stagnation of sewage within city, a good breeding ground for mosquitoes and contaminate the groundwater, the only source of drinking water in many cities.

Increase in Urban Population

30
POPULATION, Crores

28.5 21.8

25 20 15 10 5 0 1901 1921 1941 1961 1981

7

15.6 10.7 3.3 4.4 2.6 2.6 2.8 6.2 7.8

2001

YEAR

Water supply and sewage disposal status in class I cities

35000

30000

29782

25000 20607 20000

23826

1978 16662 15191 1988 1995 2003 12145

15000

10000

8638 7007 6955 4037 27562485

5000 142 212 299 423 0 Number Popn (lakh) Water supply Wastewater 1850 1281 6031023

Treatment

Water supply and wastewater generation and treatment in class II towns of India

3500 3035 3000

2500

2428

1978 1988

2000 1533 1500 1622

1936 1650 1226 1280

1995 2003

1000 498 500 190 241 0 Number Popn (lakh) Water supply Wastewater Treatment 345 128 370 207 236 67 27 62 89

Comparision of pollution load generation from domestic and industrial sources

25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0
Wastewater gen (mld) BOD Generation (t/d) BOD Discharge (t/d)

22900

Industrial Domestic

13468 9478 4580 1776

3510

10

NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING

PROGRAMME
Network Comprising of 784 stations.

Extended to 26 states & 5 Union Territories

Monitoring done or Quarterly/Monthly/Half Yearly.

Covers 168 Rivers, 53 Lakes, 5 Tanks, 2 Ponds, 3

Creeks, 3 Canals, 12 Drains and 181 wells.
11

Parameters for National Water Quality Monitoring

Core Parameters (9)
pH Temperature Conductivity Dissolved Oxygen Biochemical Oxygen Demand Nitrate-N Nitrite-N Faecal Coliform Total Coliform

Field Observations (7) Weather Approximate depth of main stream/depth of water table Colour and instensity Odor Visible efluent discharge Human activities around station Station detail Bio-Monitoring Parameters (3)
Saprobity Index Diversity Index P/R Ratio

General Parameters (19)

COD TKN Ammonia Total Dissolved Solids Total Fixed Solids Total Suspended Solids Turbidity Hardness Fluoride Boron Chloride Sulphate Total Alkalinity P-Alkalinity Phosphate Sodium Potassium Calcium Magnesium

Trace Metals (9)

Arsenic Nickel Copper Mercury Chromium Total Cadmium Zinc Lead Iron Total

Pesticide (7)
BHC(Total) Dieldrin Carbamate 2.4 D DDT(Total) Aldrin Endosulphan

12

NUMBER OF MONITORING STATIONS

13
100
18 29 43 67 73 74 89 120 136 168 200 310 400 450 480 480
91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

0
77-78 78-79 79-80 80-81 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-85 85-86 86-87 87-88 88-89 89-90 90-91

480 480 480 480 507 507 507 784 784 784 784

YEAR-WISE GROWTH OF MONITORING NETWORK

-------------> Y E A R <-----------

Waterbody-wise & Frequency-wise Distribution of Water Quality Monitoring Stations

STATE ANDHRA PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATISSGARH DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI DAMAN (ZOV) DELHI GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA LAKSHDWEEP
RIVER WELL LAKE OTHER TOTAL MONTHLY HALF QUARTERLY YEARLY TOTAL YEARLY

28 17 7 11 3 4 10 34 5 26 7 8 34 30 -

24 10 4 1 1 3 8 15 15

4 1 4 2 3 2 2 10 -

3 2 8 11 1

59 29 7 15 1 4 12 11 41 18 37 9 8 36 55 16

14 6 7 7 3 11 10 23 5 20 10 -

24 10 4 1 3 8 15 15

21 13 4 1 1 1 15 13 29 9 8 16 30 1

59 29 7 15 1 4 12 11 41 18 37 9 8 36 55 16

14

Continued on Next Page ..

.. Continued from Previous Page STATE MADHYA PRADESH MAHARASHTRA MANIPUR MEGHALAYA NAGALAND ORISSA PONDICHERRY PUNJAB RAJASTHAN SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TRIPURA UTTAR PRADESH UTTRANCHAL WEST BENGAL TOTAL : RIVER WELL LAKE OTHER TOTAL MONTHLY HALF QUARTERLY YEARLY TOTAL YEARLY

40 35 8 5 5 39 1 35 7 9 27 3 45 13 18

5 5 15 7 18 2 7 25 1 15

3 4 3 2 2 7 3 2 1 1 1 57

3 1 3 32

48 38 12 13 5 54 10 37 32 9 32 13 74 15 34 784

22 24 15 4 20 42 2 9 254

4 5 15 7 18 2 6 25 1 15 178

22 14 12 8 5 24 3 37 10 9 10 7 7 9 10 349

3 3

48 38 12 13 5 54 10 37 32 9 32 13 74 15 34 784

514 181

15

RIVER BASIN WISE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS

River (main stream), Tributaries and Sub-Tributaries, Lake, Ponds, Tanks, Canals, Creeks and Total Groundwater Stations Stations Baitarni (5) 5 Brahmani (11) 15 Tributaries-Karo (1), Koel (2), Sankh (1) Brahmaputra (6) 31 Tributaries-Burhidihing (1), Dhansiri (6), Disang (1), Jhanji (1), Subansiri (1), Bhogdoi (1), Bharalu (1), Borak (1), Deepar Bill (1), Digboi (1), Mora Bharali (1), Teesta (4), Dickhu (1), Maney (2), Ranchu (2) Cauvery (20) 35 Tributaries-Arkavati (1), Amravati (1), Bhawani (5), Kabini (4), Laxmantirtha (1), Shimsa (2), Hemavati (1) Ganga (28) Tributaries-Barakar (1), Betwa (3), Chambal (8), Damodar (5), Gandak (1), Saryu-Ghaghra (3), Gomti 118 (5), Hindon (3), Kali (West) (2), Kali Nadi (2), Khan (1), Kshipra (3), Mandakini (Madhya Pradesh) (1), Parvati (2), Ramganga (1), Rapti (1), Rihand (2), Godavari (11) 20 Tributaries- Manjira (2), Maner (2), Nira (I),), Wainganga (3), Wardha (1) Indus 53 Tributaries-Beas (19), Chenab (1), Jhelum (3), Larji (1), Parvati (1), Ravi (3), Sutlej (20), Tawi (1), Gawkadal (1), Chuntkol (1), Sirsa (2) Krishna (17) 46 Tributaries- Bhadra (3), Bhima (9), (Ghataprabha (2), Malprabha (3), Muneru (1), Musi (2), Nira (1), Paleru (1), Tunga (1), Tungabhadra (5), Panchganga (1) Mahi (7) 9 Tributaries-Anas (1), Panam (1) Mahanadi (16) 29 16 Tributaries-Ib (4), Hasdeo (2), Kathajodi (1), Kharoon (1), Kuakhai (2), Sheonath (2), Birupa (1)
Contd. On Next Page

Contd. From Pre-Page

Narmada (14) Tributaries-Chhota Tawa (1) Pennar (4) Sabarmati (8) Tributaries-Meswa (1), Shedhi (1), Khari (1) Subarnerekha (6) Tapi (10) Tributaries-Girna (2) Medium rivers Ambika (1), Ulhas (2), Ulhas-Bhatsa (1), Ulhas-Kalu (1), Imphal (4), Mandovi (2), Palar (1), Pamba (3), Pariyar (3), Rushikulya (2), Tambiraparani (7), Achankoil (2), Chalakudy (1), Damanganga (6), Ghaggar (16), Kallada (1) , Kali-Karnataka (1), Manimal Lakes Hussainsagar (1), Saroornagar (1), Himayatsagar (1), Pulicate (1), Salaulim (1), Kankoria (1), Chandola (1), Ajwah (1), Sursagar (1), Brahamsarovar (1), Sukhna (1), Govindsagar (1), Pongdam (1), Renuka (1), Wuller (1), Dal (1), Ulsoor (1), Hebbala Valley Tanks Dharamsagar (1), Bibinagar (1), Kistrapetrareddy (1), Gandigudem (1), Goysagar(1) Ponds Elangabeel System (1), Lakshadweep (1) Creeks, Canals, Tanks, Ponds, Drains, Creeks (3M), Agartala Canal (1M), Gurgaon Canal (1M), Western Yamuna Canal (9M), Drains (12M) Groundwater Total

15 4 11 6 12

105

64

26 180 784

17

WATER QUALTIY STATUS & TREND FROM 1994 TO 2003

100 90 80 70 60 50 40

15 27 58
23 37 40 19 35 46

15

15

16 27 57

16 25 59

16

16

17 23 60

19

19 17

18

25

28 57

27 57

21 60

BOD >6 BOD 3-6

67

30 20 10 0

BOD<3

64

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

59

100

14

17

18

20

20

20

22

22

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

28 36

36 47

37

33

34

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

32 46

36

33
TC>5000 TC 500-5000 TC<500

63 47 46

50

45

45

44

100 90 80 70 60 50 40

12

13 27 60

13

14

14

17 28 55

17

20

26 24 35 67 56

22

23

29 59

28
FC>5000 FC 500-5000 FC<500

65

63

58

30 20

48

18

10 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

WATER QUALITY STATUS

Analysis of 10 years data with respect to BOD values as indicator of organic pollution S. No 01. 02. 03.
19

Level of Pollution Severely polluted Moderately polluted Relatively clean

Pollution Criteria

Riverine length, Km.

Riverine length percentage 14 19 67

BOD more 6086 than 6 mg/l BOD 3-6 8691 mg/l BOD less 30242 than 3 mg/l

State-wise riverine length (in Km) under different level of pollution

Bio Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L State Jammu & Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Punjab Haryana Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Orissa Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Gujarat >6 0 19 70 95 1180 76 365 63 69 247 361 2721 265 3-6 0 0 132 87 1966 160 1157 126 221 1507 803 1706 185 <3 2291 1076 870 167 2473 606 4569 2337 874 473 2854 187 706 Total 2291 1095 1072 349 5619 842 6091 2526 1164 2227 4018 4614 1156

20

State-wise riverine length (in Km) under different level of pollution (contd.)
Karnataka Kerala Tamil Nadu Assam Meghalaya Manipur Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim Nagaland Mizoram Goa Delhi 258 0 269 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 6086 143 15 470 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 8691 2467 1395 1290 2043 557 759 707 754 503 235 53 20 30266 2868 1410 2029 2043 557 759 707 754 503 235 66 48 45043

21T O T A L :-

River basin-wise riverine length(in Km.) under different level of pollution

Bio Chemical Oxy g en Demand, mg /L S tate Indus Ganga Bramaputra Sabarmati Mahi Narmada Tapi Subernrekha Brahmini Mahanadi Godavari >6 70 1760 0 65 70 120 160 90 45 210 960 3-6 132 3612 0 95 160 360 280 120 160 370 856 <3 3917 7318 5013 165 292 902 537 79 380 1393 2676 Total 4119 12690 5013 325 522 1382 977 289 585 1973 4492

22

River basin-wise riverine length(in Km.) under different level of pollution (contd..)
Subernrekha Brahmini Mahanadi Godavari Krishna Pennar Cauvery Ghaggar Medium Minor TOTAL:90 45 210 960 840 0 70 140 1090 396 6086 120 160 370 856 956 80 320 148 734 308 8691 79 380 1393 2676 1988 440 928 70 3210 958 30266 289 585 1973 4492 3784 520 1318 358 5034 1662 45043

23

Total riverine length under different water quality status

7000

6000

Riverine length, Km

5000

BOD < 3 mg/L BOD 3-6 mg/L BOD >6 mg/L

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 JK HP PB HR UP RJ MP BH WB OR AP MH GU KA KE TN AS MG MN AR SK NG MZ GO DL

States
24

River basin-wise riverine length under different level of pollution

14000 12000

10000
Riverine length, Km

BOD <3 mg/L BOD 3-6 mg/L BOD >6 mg/L

8000

6000

4000

2000

Su T be api rn re kh a Br ah m in M i ah an ad G od i av ar i Kr is hn a Pe nn ar C au ve ry G ha gg ar M ed iu m M in or
River basin

In du s G Br ang a am ap ut ra Sa ba rm at i M ah N i ar m ad a

25

Identification of Polluted Water Bodies

CPCB identified 10 polluted stretches for prioritising pollution control efforts in 1988-89. The Number of Stretches increased to 37 during 1992-93. The list is now revised to include 86 stretches. The concerned State Pollution Control Boards were asked to take adequate measures to restore the desired level.

26

RIVER ACTION PLAN

CPCB identified polluted water bodies, which leads to formulation of action plan for restoration of the water body. Based on CPCBs Recommendations, Ganga Action Plan was launched in 1986 to restore the WQ of the Ganga by interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater from 27 cities/towns located along the river. Based on the experience gained during implementation of the Ganga Action Plan, Govt of India extends river cleaning programme to other rivers and 27 lakes.

NATIONAL RIVER ACTION PLAN

River No. of Towns River No. of Towns

Ganga
Yamuna Damodar Godavari

74
21 12 6

Brahmini
Chambal Gomti Krishna

3
3 3 2

Cauvery
Tungabhadra Satluj Subarnrekha Betwa Wainganga
28

9
4 4 3 3 3

Sabarmati
Khan Kshipra Tapi Narmada Mahanadi 156

1
1 1 1 1` 1

Grand Total

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL STRATEGY

Urban sources National River Action Plan

Industrial Sources through consent ( SPCB)

Special Drives: 17 categories of industries Industries discharging into rivers and lakes 24 Problem areas action plan Environmental auditing

Common effluent treatment plants for cluster of SSI units (124)

29 Promotion of low-waste and no-waste technology

Experience from Ganga Action Plan

Sewage collection system partial or non-existence

Interception and diversion of drains - monsoon runoff Operation and maintenance of STPs Power supply

Skilled manpower

30

Experience from industries

High organic load - distilleries High TDS - pharmaceuticals, pesticides, rayon, dye and dye intermediates Small scale industries - location (residential areas), inadequate resources, skill etc. Problem with CETPs

31

ASSESSMENT OF GROUND WATER QUALITY IN METRO CITIES

The groundwater is the main source of drinking in our country. The groundwater quality is being degraded gradually in large urban centers/critically polluted areas. Although Ministry of Water Resources is monitoring groundwater quality all over the country. The monitoring does not include main water quality issues ( heavy metals, pesticides, coliform, BOD, COD etc. Thus, it is important to monitor the groundwater quality in the country. In the current financial year CPCB included in its monitoring network a large number of groundwater stations (200 stations). Apart from this CPCB is taking help of some research institutes to 32study the groundwater quality.

CONCLUSION
In order to meet water quality criteria in rivers, dilution water is required besides stringent pollution control.
Interlinking of rivers is one of the solution to meet water quality criteria in rivers as more dilution of water would be available in rivers. 33

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