TDS Fluctuations in Groundwater and Municipal Water Supplies

TDS fluctuations in groundwater and municipal water supplies in India are influenced by a complex interplay of geological, environmental, and human factors. Addressing these issues requires a combination of sustainable groundwater management, pollution control measures, and investments in water treatment infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable access to clean drinking water for the population. But what all causes the TDS to fluctuate in groundwater?

Some important things to know about TDS changes in India:

1. Different Places, Different TDS: TDS levels in water can be very different in different parts of India. Some areas have more minerals in the ground, so their water has higher TDS.
2. Groundwater TDS: Many places in India use water from underground. Sometimes, if we use too much of it or don’t take care, the water can become salty and not good to drink.
3. Saltwater Near the Coast: Places near the sea can have salty water problems because saltwater from the sea can mix with the freshwater underground.
4. Farming Can Add Stuff: When we use fertilizers and chemicals in farming, they can get into the water and make the TDS levels go up. This happens a lot in farming areas.
5. Factories Can Pollute: Factories can put dirty stuff in the water, and that can make the TDS levels go up in nearby water sources.
6. City Water Can Change: Even in cities, the water can change. Old pipes and pollution can make the water not so good.

In India, the oversight of issues related to groundwater and municipal water supplies, including TDS fluctuations and water quality, are taken care by multiple government agencies, departments, and regulatory bodies at the national, state, and local levels. Here are some of the key organizations and entities responsible for overseeing and managing these issues:

1. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): The CGWB is a central government agency responsible for the management and regulation of groundwater resources in India. It conducts groundwater assessments, monitors groundwater levels and quality, and formulates policies and guidelines for sustainable groundwater management.
2. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is responsible for monitoring and controlling water pollution, including the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, which can affect municipal water supplies.
3. State Groundwater Departments: Each state in India has its own groundwater department or agency responsible for managing groundwater resources within the state’s jurisdiction. These agencies implement policies and regulations related to groundwater extraction and quality.
4. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): SPCBs are state-level bodies responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution within their respective states. They oversee industrial pollution control, which can impact both surface and groundwater quality.
5. Local Municipalities and Water Supply Departments: Local municipal corporations or municipalities are responsible for providing safe drinking water to urban areas. They manage water treatment plants, distribution systems, and oversee the quality of water supplied to households.
6. Ministry of Jal Shakti: This central government ministry is responsible for the overall planning and management of water resources in India, including both surface water and groundwater. It plays a crucial role in policy formulation and coordination among various agencies.
7. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): ICMR conducts research related to the health impacts of water quality, including the effects of contaminants in drinking water. It provides guidelines and recommendations for safe drinking water standards.
8. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Various NGOs and community-based organizations work to create awareness about water quality issues, conduct water quality testing, and advocate for improved water supply and sanitation services.
9. Community-Based Organizations: In many rural areas, local community groups and panchayats (village councils) play a significant role in managing and monitoring groundwater sources and ensuring safe drinking water access.
10. Regulatory Authorities: There are regulatory authorities, such as the Central and State Water Regulatory Authorities, which oversee water supply tariffs and ensure the financial sustainability of water utilities.

It’s important to note that the responsibility for water quality and groundwater management is shared among these agencies, and their roles may vary from state to state. Collaboration and coordination among these organizations are essential to address TDS fluctuations, water quality issues, and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in India. Additionally, public participation and awareness are crucial for holding authorities accountable and promoting responsible water resource management.

It’s important to keep an eye on water quality and test it regularly. We also need to teach people why this is important. Elevated TDS can be indicative of the presence of specific contaminants, such as excessive fluoride or arsenic, which can have serious health implications. It might not be safe to drink. To make water safe, we use machines like RO (Reverse Osmosis) to clean it. But these machines can be expensive. But with Livpure Smart you don’t have to bear the cost of RO or maintenance and just enjoy pure water.

Also Read: TDS of Drinking Water in India