Contaminated water risks: Chief Water Scientist flags hidden pollutants and household health hazards

Contaminated water may look harmless but can carry invisible health risks. A water scientist explains to News9 Digital about common pollutants, vulnerable groups, testing and safe household practices. Read on.

New Delhi: Water may look clear, smell normal and still contain contaminants that can affect health over time. Groundwater quality can vary significantly depending on various factors. Contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, lead, pesticides and microorganisms can enter water sources and may cause health problems ranging from gastrointestinal illness to neurological, developmental and kidney-related complications. Certain groups, including infants, young children, pregnant women and older adults, can be particularly vulnerable.

Boiling can help tackle microbial contamination but cannot remove several dissolved chemical pollutants. In an exclusive communication with News9 Digital, Dr Anil Kumar, Chief Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes, explains the health risks associated with contaminated groundwater, why apparently clean water may not always be safe, when households should test their water, what boiling can and cannot do, and how everyday storage and maintenance practices can help protect water quality. Here is the full excerpts.

Dr Anil Kumar on what households need to know

Q: What are common contaminants found in Indian groundwater, and what health problems can prolonged exposure cause?

Dr Anil Kumar: Groundwater contamination varies across regions in India. Some commonly reported contaminants include arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, pesticides and microbiological contaminants. These pollutants can enter water supplies naturally through geological formations or as a result of human activities, including inappropriate waste disposal, industrial discharge and agriculture.

Depending on the contaminant, short-term exposure may result in skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or gastrointestinal illness. Long-term exposure is often more concerning because health effects can develop gradually over years. Excessive fluoride exposure can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, while arsenic exposure has been linked to skin lesions and an increased risk of cancer. Lead can affect brain development in children. Certain heavy metals and pesticides have also been associated with neurological, kidney and liver problems.

Q: Who is most vulnerable to contaminated water?

Dr Anil Kumar: The risk from contaminated water is not uniform across age groups.........

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