Safe drinking water status in the state of Bihar, India:Challenges ahead

摘要

Water is a precious resource gifted by nature for the human well being. But its contamination whetherchemical or fecal is a challenge for the water supply agencies in providing safe drinking water especiallyto the rural community. It is a known fact that safe drinking water is essential for healthy living yetmillions of people on the earth are deprived of it. Deterioration of ground water quality in recent yearsdue to various human as well as geogenic activities is a threat to humanity especially in rural areas inplains as it is the only available water source within their reach. The governments are struggling toprovide adequate safe water to all rural habitations. Depletion of water table in many areas resulting inemergence of chemical impurities like Arsenic and Fluoride in water is making it unsafe whereas waterin high water table zone are bacteriologically unsafe. Bihar one of the largest states of Indian Republicwith high groundwater potential is facing a serious water quality problem .This paper is a case study andattempts to identify the steps to improve the rural health through safe water supply