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Showing posts from January, 2025

WHO Water Quality Standards

The World Health Organization (WHO) sets global standards for drinking water quality to safeguard public health. These scientifically-based guidelines aim to prevent waterborne diseases, protect human health, and promote sustainable water resource management. Key Concepts and Terminologies Potable Water: Water that is safe for human consumption without posing any significant health risks. Contaminants: Substances that pollute or degrade water quality, including microorganisms, chemicals, and physical agents. Threshold Limit: The maximum permissible concentration of a substance in drinking water deemed safe for human health. Guideline Values: WHO's recommended maximum concentrations of various substances in drinking water considered safe. WHO's Approach WHO's guidelines are based on two primary factors: Health-based targets: Prioritize protecting public health by ensuring water is free from disease-causing contaminants. Operational guidelines: Provide practical recomme...

BIS Standards for Drinking Water

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water in India. It establishes comprehensive standards that cover various physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Let's delve into some key BIS standards, their significance, and relevant concepts: 1. pH Value (6.5 – 8.5) Definition: pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Significance: Influences the solubility and availability of minerals in water. Low pH can lead to the leaching of metals like lead and copper from pipes. High pH can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. BIS Standard: The pH of drinking water should fall within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 to prevent corrosion and scaling. 2. Turbidity (Maximum 1 NTU) Definition: Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles like dirt, silt, and microorganisms. It is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Significanc...