Drinking Water Quality

Introduction

Drinking water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of water
that determine its suitability for human consumption. Ensuring safe drinking water is essential for
public health as contaminated water can lead to serious health issues.

Key Aspects of Drinking Water Quality

1. Physical Characteristics:

o Color: Water should be colorless. Any coloration might indicate the presence of
contaminants.

o Turbidity: It measures the clarity of water. High turbidity can be due to suspended
particles and can contain harmful microorganisms.

o Taste and Odor: Water should be free from any unpleasant taste and odor. These can
be indicators of chemical contamination or microbial activity.

o Temperature: It affects the solubility of gases and the activity of microorganisms.

Generally, cooler water is preferred.

2. Chemical Characteristics:

• pH: The pH level of water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. It indicates the acidity or alkalinity
of water.

• Hardness: Caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause scaling
in pipes and reduce soap effectiveness.

• Chlorides and Sulfates: High levels can cause a salty taste and laxative effects.

• Nitrates and Nitrites: High levels can cause methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in
infants.

• Heavy Metals: Such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium are toxic even at low
concentrations.

• Disinfection By-products: Such as trihalomethanes (THMs) formed when chlorine reacts with
organic matter.

3. Microbiological Characteristics:

• Pathogens: Presence of bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses, and protozoa can cause waterborne
diseases.

• Coliform Bacteria: Used as an indicator of water quality and contamination by fecal matter.

How to measure the Quality of the water ?

 1. Color: Collect a water sample and compare its color to standard color solutions or measure
the absorbance at specific wavelengths using a spectrophotometer.
2. Turbidity: Measure the scattering of light at 90 degrees as it passes through the water
sample. The turbidity is reported in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
3. Taste and Odor : A group of trained individuals evaluates the water sample for any
detectable taste or odor and describes it.
4. Temperature: Direct measurement using a calibrated thermometer.

Chemical Characteristics Measurement

1. pH: Use standard buffer solutions (known pH values) to mark the meter. Immerse
the glass electrode in the water sample and read the pH value directly from the
meter display.
2. Hardness Measurement: Add buffer and indicator to the water sample, titrate with
EDTA until the color changes. Calculate hardness based on the volume of EDTA used.
3. Chlorides: Add indicator to the water sample, titrate with silver nitrate until the red-
brown color appears. Calculate chloride concentration from the volume of silver
nitrate used.
4. Sulfates: Add barium chloride to the water sample to form a precipitate of barium
sulfate. Measure the turbidity using a spectrophotometer and compare it to a
standard curve to determine sulfate concentration.
5. Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead, Arsenic, Mercury): If necessary, digest the water sample to
break down complex substances. Introduce the prepared sample into the AAS. The
instrument measures the absorbance (AAS) or ion counts (ICP-MS) specific to each
metal. Use calibration standards to determine the concentration of metals.

Water Quality Standards

Different organizations have set guidelines for drinking water quality:

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – IS 10500:2012

The BIS sets standards for drinking water quality in India. These standards are divided into two
categories: Acceptable Limit and Permissible Limit in the Absence of an Alternative Source.

Key Parameters and Limits:

1. Microbiological Parameters:

o E. coli or Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria: Must not be detectable in any 100 mL

sample.

o Total Coliforms: Must not be detectable in any 100 mL sample.

2. Chemical Parameters:
 o Arsenic: 0.01 mg/L (Acceptable), 0.05 mg/L (Permissible)

o Lead: 0.01 mg/L

o Nitrate (as NO3): 45 mg/L

o Fluoride: 1.0 mg/L (Acceptable), 1.5 mg/L (Permissible)

o Cadmium: 0.003 mg/L

o Mercury: 0.001 mg/L

3. Physical Parameters:

o pH: 6.5 - 8.5

o Turbidity: 1 NTU (Acceptable), 5 NTU (Permissible)

4. Other Parameters:

o Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 500 mg/L (Acceptable), 2000 mg/L (Permissible)

o Hardness (as CaCO3): 200 mg/L (Acceptable), 600 mg/L (Permissible)

**Water Treatment** :

Water treatment is a multi-step process designed to remove contaminants and ensure that the water
is safe for drinking. Here is a detailed explanation of the various methods used in water treatment:

1. Coagulation and Flocculation

Coagulation and flocculation are the first steps in water treatment. They involve adding chemicals to
water to remove suspended particles.

Coagulation:

• Process: Coagulation involves adding coagulants (like aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride) to
the water. These chemicals have a positive charge.

• Mechanism: The positive charge of the coagulants neutralizes the negative charge of
dissolved and suspended particles (like dirt, clay, and organic matter). This causes the
particles to clump together into larger particles called micro-flocs.

Flocculation:

• Process: After coagulation, the water is gently mixed. This process is called flocculation.

• Mechanism: During flocculation, micro-flocs come together to form larger, visible clumps
called flocs.

• Outcome: These flocs are heavy enough to settle at the bottom of the water supply during
sedimentation.

2. Sedimentation

Sedimentation is the process of removing the heavy particles (flocs) that settle at the bottom of the
water supply.
Process:

• Settling Basins: Water flows into large tanks called sedimentation basins.

• Gravity: The heavy flocs settle naturally at the bottom of the basin due to gravity.

• Sludge: The settled material, known as sludge, is removed from the bottom of the basin.

• Clear Water: The water above the sludge, which is clearer, moves on to the next stage of
treatment.

3. Filtration

Filtration involves passing water through filters to remove remaining particles, including dissolved
particles, bacteria, and viruses.

Process:

• Types of Filters: Common filters include sand, gravel, and charcoal.

o Sand Filters: Water passes through layers of sand, which trap large and small
particles.

o Activated Carbon Filters: These remove organic compounds and chlorine by

adsorption.

• Mechanism: As water flows through the filter, impurities are trapped in the filter material.

• Backwashing: Filters are periodically cleaned through a process called backwashing, where
water is sent backwards through the filter to remove trapped particles.

4. Disinfection

Disinfection is crucial to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can
cause diseases.

Methods:

• Chlorination:

o Process: Adding chlorine or chlorine compounds (like sodium hypochlorite) to the

water.

o Mechanism: Chlorine kills microorganisms by damaging their cell walls and

disrupting their internal processes.

o Residual Chlorine: A small amount of chlorine remains in the water to prevent

contamination in the distribution system.

• Ozonation:

o Process: Adding ozone gas (O3) to the water.

o Mechanism: Ozone is a powerful oxidant that destroys microorganisms by rupturing

their cell walls.

o Advantage: Ozone leaves no residual taste or odor.

 • Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:

o Process: Exposing water to UV light.

o Mechanism: UV light penetrates the cells of microorganisms and damages their

DNA, rendering them inactive.

o Advantage: UV treatment leaves no chemical residues.

5. Additional Treatment Methods

Depending on the specific needs and contaminants present, additional treatment methods may be
used.

Activated Carbon Treatment:

• Process: Water passes through activated carbon filters.

• Mechanism: Activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds, including pesticides and

industrial chemicals, improving taste and odor.

Ion Exchange:

• Process: Water passes through resin beads that exchange unwanted ions (like calcium,
magnesium) for more desirable ones (like sodium).

• Mechanism: This process is used to soften hard water by removing calcium and magnesium
ions.

Reverse Osmosis:

• Process: Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that removes dissolved salts
and impurities.

• Mechanism: The membrane allows water molecules to pass but blocks larger molecules like
salts and contaminants.

• Outcome: Produces high-purity water but requires significant energy and infrastructure.

Water Sanitation

Water sanitation refers to the process of ensuring that water is clean and safe for human
consumption by eliminating contaminants, pathogens, and pollutants. It encompasses a range of
practices, technologies, and policies aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of water.

Importance of Water Sanitation

1. Public Health:

o Prevents waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

o Reduces the incidence of diarrhea, which is a leading cause of mortality in children

under five.
 2. Economic Benefits:

o Healthy populations contribute more effectively to the economy.

o Reduces healthcare costs associated with treating waterborne diseases.

3. Environmental Protection:

o Prevents the contamination of natural water bodies.

o Protects aquatic ecosystems from harmful pollutants.

4. Improved Quality of Life:

o Ensures safe drinking water, which is essential for daily activities like cooking and
bathing.

o Promotes hygiene and sanitation practices.

How to Achieve Water Sanitation

1. Source Protection:

• Identify and Protect Sources: Safeguard water sources (rivers, lakes, aquifers) from pollution.

• Regulations: Implement laws to control industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.

2. Water Treatment:

• Primary Treatment: Removal of large particles through sedimentation and filtration.

• Secondary Treatment: Biological treatment processes to remove organic matter.

• Tertiary Treatment: Advanced methods to remove residual contaminants (e.g., activated

carbon, reverse osmosis).

3. Disinfection:

• Chlorination: Adding chlorine to kill pathogens.

• Ozonation: Using ozone gas for disinfection.

• UV Radiation: Exposing water to UV light to destroy microorganisms.

4. Safe Storage and Distribution:

• Secure Storage: Use covered reservoirs and tanks to prevent contamination.

• Maintenance of Distribution Systems: Regular inspection and repair of pipelines to prevent

leaks and entry of contaminants.

5. Community Involvement:

• Education: Raise awareness about the importance of water sanitation.

6. Policy and Regulation:

• Government Standards: Enforce national and international water quality standards.

• Monitoring and Enforcement: Regularly monitor water quality and enforce regulations.