How safe is our tap water?

Do you Know that our tap water is not as good as it was

during our forefather's time ?

Although due to climatic changes, "draught & alarming"

levels of salinity, industrial wastes, sources like river,
catchments and reservoir systems are under dire stress
which deteriorates the water quality day by day. Further,
one does not get sufficient water from river and has to
resort to underground water, which generally is
contaminated with dissolved impurities.

By the time water (municipal or ground water) reaches

your tap, it may get contaminated on way which leads to
common water problems. Although,water treatment
plants meet 'The Safe Drinking Water Standards', but still
water pollutants may be present in your tap water.

Increasing Dissolved Impurities

RUST
Water might be pure while leaving the treatment plants.

But when it travels miles through the ageing pipes, which

are corroded at many places, the rust from pipes become
soluble and gets released into water and is generally
invisible . Shocking but true! Further at many places,
municipal drinking water does not come for more than 2
to 5 hrs in a day this not only leaves water pipelines
empty but also makes them prone to oxidation and
rusting.

PESTICIDES
Pesticides are deadly chemicals used to eliminate weeds, insects and other
harmful elements in crops. But their consistent use has however produced its
own harm. Surprisingly, pesticides too are entering our ground water and are
contaminating our drinking water.

ARSENIC
Arsenic is a semi metal element in the periodic table. it is odorless and
tasteless. It can enter drinking water supplies from natural deposits of the
earth or from agriculture or industrial practices. This problem is widely
experienced in many regions across India. Consumption of Arsenic can
cause skin damage, circulatory system problems and an increased risk of
lung & kidney cancers.

FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a major naturally occurring contaminant in drinking water. It is
found on very high levels in east & North India. Low levels might prove
beneficial in preventing dental problems but its high levels can cause
structural tooth damage and very high level can cause skeletal damage.

LEAD
Many old homes & building have pipes & plumbing fixtures that contain
lead. Lead can easily leach from pipes into drinking water. Its long term
effects include stroke, kidney problem and cancer.

HEAVY METALS
Metals like Mercury, Zinc, Copper and Cadmium usually enter the water
supply as Industrials wastes and their excessive concentrations can cause
physiological damage to humans, including damage to the central nervous
system

Excessive Bacteria & Viruses

At most of the places, Municipal drinking water comes for not more than 2
to 5 hrs. Therefore, the water is stored in overhead tanks that results in
excessive bacteria and virus growth and this can lead to diseases like
Cholera, Dysentery, Diarrhea and Typhoid