Need to Improve the Water Quality In Rural Areas

Need to Improve the Water Quality in Rural Areas

14. Groundwater in rural areas is generally of good quality with rather low Total Dissolved Solids values. The major problem is due to the contamination caused by the free access of pollutants to shallow open wells, or by pollutants that may penetrate through cracks in the platform or in the area surrounding the platform. It has been observed, in many cases, that platforms are badly construted and much polluted spilled water sorrounding the well finds its way into the aquifer, contaminating it. It appears clear that, in the past, lack of proper supervision and control has encouraged the pump installation contractors to use less cement than required for platform construction, which resulted in a hazard to people's health.

15. Most of the water supply systems tapping water from large-diameter open wells do not have any protection to prevent leaves, dust, and all kinds of rubbish from falling into the wells; in addition, insects, frogs and other animals live and pollute these wells. Open wells are generally not chlorinated.

16. To improve the present situation, it is necessary to upgrade the shallow well construction technology by introducing new simple corrective measures in order to improve the quality and increase the quantity of water for domestic use. Water-related illnesses caused the death of more than one thousand and five hundred children about three years ago in the northern talukas of Thana District.

17. However, simple, appropriate technology alone will not prevent the occurrence of water-borne diseases; the improvement of the hygienic conditions of the wells coupled with health education and village sanitation programs are essential for reaching this goal. This, however, is a long-term process which requires the involvement of qualified NGOs. Awareness on hygienic measures and health education , in particular, should be part of any ruralwater supply program; it should be taught also in public schools, starting from the primary level.