DRINKING WATER QUALITY 

Drinking water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for human consumption. To ensure that drinking water is safe and healthy, it must meet certain standards for contaminants and other substances that can affect its quality. These standards are set by regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and are based on the best available scientific evidence on the health effects of various contaminants.

To maintain good drinking water quality, it is important to protect the sources of drinking water, such as lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers, from pollution and contamination. Water treatment facilities are also used to remove or neutralize contaminants from the water supply, and regularly testing and monitoring the water is important to ensure that it meets the required standards for quality.

If you have concerns about the quality of your drinking water, you should contact your local water utility or health department for more information. They can provide information on the sources and treatment of your drinking water, as well as any potential contaminants that may be present and the steps being taken to address them

Indian standard of drinking water :

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the standards for drinking water quality. The BIS has published a number of standards related to drinking water, including IS 10500:2012, which specifies the general requirements for the quality of drinking water.

According to IS 10500:2012, the maximum permissible limits for various contaminants in drinking water are as follows:

• Total coliform bacteria: Nil per 100 mL
• Fecal coliform bacteria: Nil per 100 mL
• E. coli bacteria: Nil per 100 mL
• Turbidity (cloudiness): 5 NTU
• pH: 6.5-8.5
• Total dissolved solids (TDS): 500-2000 mg/L
• Chloride: 250 mg/L
• Fluoride: 1.0 mg/L
• Nitrate: 45 mg/L

In addition to these standards, the BIS has also published standards for specific contaminants such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, which have more stringent limits due to their potential health risks. It is important to note that these standards are subject to change as new research becomes available and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the water supply