With the rapid development of areas in the state of Kerala, along with industries, start-ups, hospitals, and colleges cropping up, water pollution has become a significant issue. This is mainly because there is inadequate infrastructure and capacity to manage the waste from this development outburst. Effective measures to control water contamination need to become one of the primary goals for the state.

The blog focuses on the primary sources of water pollution and offers vital information for ascertaining sustainable solutions. By attaining our goal, readers will understand the reasons behind the importance of water purification processes and be aware of the causes of water pollution in Kerala.

Key points about water contamination in Kerala

Although people have been aware of water pollution since their primary school days, awareness and measures to address the problem are still lacking across the state. Kerala’s water sources are polluted, harming millions of people and affecting their health, environment, and daily lives.

Therefore, the gravity of this issue must be widespread. Take the opportunity to read along and learn more about the main facts relating to water contamination in Kerala.

1. Waste disposal

The first and most apparent reason for water pollution is waste disposal. Waste from homes, factories, industries, hospitals, and educational institutions that is dumped randomly also has a great danger of polluting water. They all play a major role in polluting the environment, and therefore, there is a need for a more or less all-around solution. So, let’s look closer at each point in particular.

a. How does household waste disposal cause water pollution?

Yes, household sewage plays a major role in water pollution. But how exactly? Bathroom waste, leftover food, and kitchen scraps contribute to this problem. These wastes contain harmful bacteria that can pollute water sources, making them unsafe for drinking and other uses. The organic matter in household waste causes oxygen depletion in the water bodies, which in turn affects aquatic life. It can also fuel the algae bloom, turning the clear water bodies into a green, slippery soup, leading to decay and oxygen consumption. Even though there are sewage plants for treating water, they do not remove all the pollutants.

2. How does industrial waste contribute to water pollution?

Have you ever wondered what happens when factories dump waste into our rivers and lakes? The composition of the industrial waste itself was a general mixture of hazardous chemicals that would certainly be harmful to aquatic life and potentially affect human health. Many such toxins do not break down easily and build up in sediments, which creates diseases among the fish and other creatures or can lead to death.

source – mcfenvironmental.com

Some factories pre-treat wastewater before letting it out, while others send the waste to treatment plants. Even treated water pollutes our natural water bodies. Besides, the waste contributes to global warming and interferes with the benevolent bacteria present in the soil. What can be done to halt this pollution and save our environment?

3. Agricultural waste and water pollution

Agriculture strongly influences water quality in lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. Farms discharge sediments, nutrients, pathogens, pesticides, metals, and salts into the water. Animal husbandry has significantly contributed to agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, and saline drainage.

These pollutants can poison aquatic life, contaminate water supplies, and destroy entire ecosystems. To reduce pollution, we must develop better farming practices and follow efficient water purification methods throughout the state.

4. Poor sanitation practices

Poor sanitation can be one of the significant causes of water pollution and may engender serious health problems. Inadequate waste management contaminates the water, like uncollected garbage and untreated sewage that flows into rivers. Income inequality worsens in many cities, especially in the poorer sections, where people lack basic sanitation facilities.

Impure water spreads diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and intestinal infections like an epidemic. Better facilities and practices and awareness of water purification practices can considerably improve public health and water quality.

5. Encroachment and Sand Mining

Encroachment and sand mining seriously disturb our waterways. When sand is sucked out from the beds of rivers, it depresses the stream bottom and causes erosion in the riverbanks. Extraction of sand on coastlines lowers deposits, which can deepen rivers and widen the mouths of those rivers. For example, sand mining off Kerala has led to the creation of larger inlets at one coastline and intrusions of saltwater from the sea. These changes can alter the flow of the river, pollute water, and increase the possibility of flooding within the community due to societal and environmental impacts.

6. Urbanization

Growing cities result in enormous quantities of wastewater and pollutants. Industrial areas typically release large amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into rivers. Urban runoff carries oil, grease, pesticides, and fertilizers into water bodies. Furthermore, leakage to septic tanks in crowded areas pollutes the groundwater with germs. All these contaminate our water supplies and demonstrate an ever-increasing need for waste and pollution management in urban settings.

7. Old Infrastructure

Old infrastructure is a huge concern regarding water quality. Many towns still have antiquated sewage and water treatment systems that don’t really fit today’s needs. For example, older pipes can leak, allowing raw sewage to mingle with clean water. In addition, older treatment plants may not be capable of filtering and eliminating all pollutants before release. Upgrading and repairing these systems is very important in keeping our water clean and safe enough to protect public health.

Specific contaminants found in Kerala water sources

1. Bacteria (Coliform)

E. coli/coliform bacteria are found in nature, water, and the feces and urine of animals and humans. The source of coliform bacteria in the water is untreated sewage and animal dung. Though not all forms of E. coli are necessarily pathogenic, it is not desirable to have coliforms in water. The presence of coliform bacteria suggests the presence of other pathogenic bacteria in water. Indeed, the most important question you may have right now is: How safe is the water you use? The blog highlights the need to monitor and disinfect water supply points to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and diseases transmitted through contaminated water supplies.

2. Iron and Fluoride

Iron and fluoride are predominant in Kerala’s drinking water. Testing and regulating their levels is imperative if you want to use healthy water.

3. Salinity

One of the issues about water is salinity, which refers to salt concentration in water and becomes problematic in coastal regions of Kerala. High salinity has negative impacts, such as crop damage, scarce water supplies, and adverse effects on ecosystems. All these emphasize the importance of better water management and water purification solutions.

4. Nitrate and Arsenic

Nitrates are popular in regions where the use of fertilizers and manures in agricultural activities is high, resulting in leaching in the groundwater. This is worse in areas with shallow water tables because the nitrates pollute the private wells and streams. Arsenic, however, is linked with natural geological activities such as the weathering of arsenic-containing rocks and may, therefore, be expected in areas where volcanic activities are more frequent. For instance, in Bangladesh, there are reports indicating that arsenic, which is consumed through contaminated groundwater, is threatening the lives of millions of people. Nitrates are also associated with different adverse health consequences like various types of cancer, congenital disorders as well as neurological disorders. Testing for water quality must be continually done to ascertain the presence of these contaminants so that action can be taken to curb further contamination.

Water contamination facts

According to KWA, Kerala, known for its abundant groundwater and surface water, with 44 rivers, thousands of streams, lakes, and lagoons, is facing a serious water crisis.

More than 80 per cent of the open wells for which the majority of people depend for drinking water, and more than 90 per cent of rivers are contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. Coli) bacteria.

Source – https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala-s-drinking-water-sources-face-contamination-threat-1.8490974

How to Treat Water Contaminations?

Treating contaminated water is of prime importance, not only for individual health but also for the well-being of society. The money spent on water treatment is more of an investment than an expense.

We proudly introduce Triangle Environmental Solutions, the experts in water treatment. They are just a call away!

Do you experience sedimentation or an oily film on the top of the water you use? Don’t wait a moment—this could be a sign of contamination. Triangle Environmental Solutions offers quality in-house water testing solutions. They are passionate about helping you and contributing to a cleaner, healthier society.

Triangle Solutions-Offering an impressive range of water treatment services for residential and commercial purposes

As experts in quality water treatment solutions in Kerala, they provide various services to satisfy the water treatment needs of residential and commercial sectors.

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