Hello

A number of estimates and projections indicate an increase in the demand for water in the recent past. Owing to the rising disposable incomes and spending power among Indians, the use of water has grown manifold across various sectors. In spite of this shooting demand, there is a major mismatch in demand and supply of water in India. With the present state of consumption and depletion of natural resources, striking equilibrium in the eco-system is undeniably the need of the hour. In fact, studies go on to suggest that if the current trend persists, India will move into the category of a water stressed country by 2025. Nearly, 70% of our country's irrigation and 80% of domestic water use comes from groundwater, which is rapidly getting depleted. If the monsoon fails to revive, most cities and towns, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and Aurangabad, would have to face the challenge of acute water scarcity.

Quite interestingly, one of the pertinent issues prevailing in the Indian drinking water space is not only the severe water contamination threat and depletion of water reservoirs, but lack of awareness among people about availability of water purification technology. A closer look and scrutiny shows that the demand for RO water purifiers have sprung up in large numbers in the recent past. People assume that RO purifiers are the ‘best and latest technology’. On account of this, the truth about the system resulting is wastage of water and contamination of water sources remains uncovered. Mentioned below are few points that one should know about water purifiers and how they could lead to water scarcity. There is no one-size-fits-all technology. Several research and studies have shown that India has varying water conditions and clearly there’s not one single technology which can purify water in every region • RO (Reverse Osmosis) is meant to remove high TDS (salt content), certain heavy metals and contaminants which are found in ‘few’ locations, not all • If one uses RO water purification in (low TDS) areas where it is not required, then it leads not only to ‘de-mineralized water’ but also adds to water wastage. When one uses an RO purifier where it is not exactly suited, there is wastage of 7 glasses of drinking water for one glass of pure/ healthy drinking water. • Demineralized water or low-mineral content water – in the light of the absence or substantial lack of essential natural minerals in it – is not considered ideal drinking water, and therefore, its regular consumption may not be providing adequate levels of some beneficial nutrients which are essential for human body development and overall growth What should one do?

Water treatment (or purification) is like any other form of treatment. One needs to know what is wrong before you treat the symptom. For example in a city like Mumbai, where the TDS level of the water is low using a RO purifier will not only waste 7 glasses of water for every consumable glass but also remove all the required natural nutrients and minerals from it. Choosing the right purification technology is important. It provides the right amount of nutrients & minerals but also avoids water wastage. In Mumbai, UV or a UF technology water purifier will be the most suited for the water received in homes, and will provide good quality drinking water. Use of RO water purifiers in places where not required is bound to create manmade water scarcity in the near future. The solution here lies in choosing the right water purification technology to avoid wastage of water from the purifier.

Regards

Dr. Abhay Kumar,Eureka Forbes Institute of Environment