5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drink Water from Your Tap
Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet, in many parts of India, this basic necessity remains a challenge.
While municipal tap water is accessible to a large segment of the population, its quality has raised significant concerns.
With increasing pollution levels and inadequate infrastructure, relying solely on tap water can pose serious health risks.
This article delves into the critical reasons why you should think twice before consuming tap water in India.
1. Contamination Levels Beyond Permissible Limits
According to a report by the Bureau of Indian Standards, an alarming percentage of tap water samples across Indian cities are contaminated with hazardous elements such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride, surpassing the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
For instance, in a recent survey conducted by Local Circles, only 3% of respondents said that they do not need to purify the tap water. In the same survey, around 44% of respondents said that they use an RO system to purify water.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure and Poor Sanitation Practices
India’s old and overburdened water infrastructure makes the issue of contaminated tap water worse. The lack of proper maintenance of water pipelines and poor sanitation practices often cause pollutants, including sewage, to seep into the water supply (news: sewage in Delhi’s water).
In densely populated urban areas, the situation worsens as the infrastructure struggles to meet the increasing demands. This leads to a compromised water supply.
Click here to read: How Tap Water is Damaging Your Hair, Skin, and Nails?
3. Pervasive Water-Borne Diseases
The consumption of tap water in India has been directly linked to the prevalence of water-borne diseases.
According to the National Health Profile 2021, waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea continue to trouble a substantial population in India.
For example, in 2020, the outbreak of water-borne diseases in parts of Uttar Pradesh was traced back to the consumption of contaminated tap water, affecting thousands of individuals and highlighting the urgent need for stringent water quality regulations.
4. Disparities in Water Quality Across Regions
The quality of tap water varies significantly across different regions in India. While some urban areas grapple with industrial pollutants and heavy metal contamination, rural regions face the challenges of microbial contamination and inadequate treatment facilities.
A study by DownToEarth indicated that the groundwater in Punjab contains dangerously high levels of toxic elements like uranium, arsenic, manganese, zinc, copper, and lead, thereby underscoring the widespread nature of the issue across diverse geographical regions.
5. Limited Accountability and Inadequate Regulatory Measures
The government is trying hard to make water better, but rules aren’t always enforced well. So, in many places in India, tap water is still not very good. Reports of irregular water quality testing and non-compliance with safety rules show that we need stronger rules and strict vigilance. This is to make sure everyone can have safe water to drink.
Conclusion
In light of the persistent challenges associated with tap water in India, individuals must prioritize their health by either exploring alternative sources of clean drinking water or using an appropriate water purification system.
While initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission have sought to address some of these concerns, comprehensive and sustained efforts are necessary to ensure that every Indian has access to safe drinking water, thereby safeguarding public health and promoting overall well-being.
