speaker subi sundresan_water_rev2
TRANSCRIPT
WATER AND HEALTH
A Presentation by:
Sundaresan Subramanian (“Subi”)
at the 13th International ConferenceOrganized by:
India Development Coalition of America (IDCA), Chicago
at IIT Rice Campus, Wheaton, ILOn October 17, 2015
Incredible India!
An ancient country that traditionally worships the five elements- severely impacted now by the abuse of the same elements!
Water and Health A Snapshot of Current Water Scenario in India
• Groundwater – a major source of water in the country• Water sources polluted by chemicals and microbes • Waterborne infections cause majority of sicknesses• Many critical issues related to water and health
Water Pollution in IndiaSome Media Reports
• “An alarming 80% of India’s surface water is polluted” (WaterAid, an international organization working for water -TOI, June 28, 2015)
• “Water pollution making Aravali villagers sick” (TOI, September 29, 2015)
• “Water Leads to Ailments in Pallavaram” (New Indian Express, August 18, 2014)
• “70% of India’s water supply is polluted with sewage effluents”
(United Nations Children’s Fund Resource report - India Water Portal)
Water and Health
Water - Boon or Bane? • Water pollution leads to life-
threatening diseases • Major parameters of concern:
Fluoride Arsenic Chrome, Salt Dyes and Chemicals Sewage Microbes
Water and Health - Key Issue # 1
1. High FluorideHealth Impact
Solution Fluoride Removal Unit
Water and Health – Key Issue # 2
2. ArsenicHealth Impact
• Highly carcinogenic• Skin lesions,cancers in
the liver, lungs, kidney, bladder
Solution Arsenic Removal Unit
Issues: Poor Maintenance, Clogging
Water and Health - Key Issue # 2
2. Arsenic – In-situ treatment
• Replaces conventional “pump and treat” systems• Demo project thru’ a CSG grant initiative in WB• Many companies implemented such projects
Water and Health - Key Issue # 3 3. Chromium
• Untreated Chromate industrial waste in TN • Yellow-leachate percolates through ground
• Contaminates soil and ground water all around
• A critical issue for long - yet to be addressed!
Water Quality and Health - Key Issue # 3
3. Chromium in Tanneries
• Tanneries use chromium salts and tanning liquor
• Clusters have Common Effluent Treatment Plants
• Salt used for hide and skin preservation
• High salinity of effluents impact water quality
• Need innovative technologies for salt reduction
Water and Health - Key Issue # 4 4. Dyes and Chemicals
• Used widely in the textile and garment industries • Polluted effluents flow into water-bodies; leads to
• Skin diseases, respiratory problems and gastritis
• Serious concern to farmers, livestock and residents
• Clusters have Common Effluent Treatment Plants but problems persist
Water and Health - Key Issue # 5
5. SewageThe Water & Sanitation Crisis in India
• Huge and Growing population; • Poor hygiene practices• 302 Class I cities and 467 Class II towns with no sewage treatment facilities• Over three-fourths of the sewage flows untreated into water sources, causing stink, breeding insects impacting human health
Water and Health - Key Issue # 6
6. Bio-pollution
• Microbial contamination - a predominant form of pollution in surface water bodies
• Leakage through aging water supply and sanitation systems
• Contamination of water sources by leaching of sewage
• Poor public hygiene practices • Severe impact on human health
Water and Health
Challenges • Multiple sources of pollution: rural, urban, and
industrial
• Water pollution is predominantly manmade
• Poor management, lack of concern, unclear laws, corruption, indifferent attitudes and aging systems contribute to the issues
• Pressing need to address critical issues innovatively
The Way Forward• Shift focus to local management, control and distribution• Relook how we manage our water resources• Plan on Sustainable groundwater management• Protect and prioritise local waterbodies –like ponds and
wells• Reducing industrial water footprint• Recycling and reuse of waste water
Some Local SolutionsPudukkulam – a very old unpolluted drinking water pond in Pudukottai still in existence!
Ram sagar, an old pond recently revived by villagers, in Bapu Gaon, Rajasthan
More Local Solutions
This step-well near the Karnimata temple in the Aravalli region is among the several water bodies revived by a civil engineer in Rajasthan
Water and Health
Recommendations
• Outreach through public/private partnerships; innovative environmental campaigns; awareness & hygiene education
• Rehabilitate old wells with purification equipment
• Water harvesting, or capturing and storing pure rainwater
Surprisingly, sometimes the old ways are the best!
