We all know that clean drinking water is essential for good health. But have you ever thought about what goes into ensuring that the water from our taps is safe? That’s where water quality monitoring comes in! Let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
The Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households provides a detailed guide on how water quality should be monitored and maintained. It serves as a crucial resource for field workers, policymakers, and stakeholders. It outlines a systematic approach to monitoring and maintaining the quality of water supplied to rural households, incorporating technological advancements, community participation, and robust institutional frameworks.
”This handbook recommends water quality testing methodology such as identifying sample collection points, testing parameters, testing frequency and number of samples, sample testing turnaround time and remedial action for contamination,” says Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary, Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti in the foreword of the guide which was released in December 2024.
What should we check for in drinking water?
When monitoring piped drinking water, there are a few key parameters to check:
Physical characteristics – This includes:
Colour: Water should be clear and free from any unusual tints.
Taste and odour: Any strange taste or foul smell may indicate contamination.
Turbidity: Water should not appear cloudy or murky, as this can indicate suspended particles.
Chemical composition – Some important chemical factors include:
pH level: A pH of 6.5–8.5 is generally considered safe for drinking.
Chlorine levels: Chlorine is used to disinfect water, but it must remain within safe limits (0.2–0.5 mg/L).
Fluoride, Nitrate, and Arsenic: Excess levels of these can cause serious health problems.
Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, and arsenic should be below permissible limits to avoid poisoning.
Microbial contamination – Testing for harmful microorganisms is crucial. Some of the major concerns include:
Coliform bacteria (including E. coli): Presence of these bacteria indicates possible faecal contamination.
Viruses and parasites: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common parasites that can cause illness.
Residual Chlorine – This is a key indicator of water safety. Chlorine helps kill pathogens, but it should be maintained at safe levels.
What is the institutional framework for water quality monitoring?
Several institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of water quality monitoring:
State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWSM): Responsible for finalizing water quality parameters and frequency of testing.
District Water & Sanitation Mission (DWSM): Conducts quarterly reviews and coordinates with the health department to track waterborne diseases.
Gram Panchayat and Sub-Committees: Responsible for local water quality testing, awareness campaigns, and maintaining public records.
Public Health Engineering Department (PHED): Ensures technical compliance and manages water testing laboratories.
Water quality testing protocols
The handbook prescribes a detailed protocol for water quality testing at different stages: Ensuring water safety involves regular testing of surface and groundwater sources for chemical and bacteriological contaminants, and routine monitoring at water treatment plants to verify the effectiveness of filtration and chlorination. Monthly checks at household taps, schools, and Anganwadi centres focus on turbidity, residual chlorine, and bacterial contamination. Sanitary inspections assess pipeline integrity and source protection in high-risk areas. When contamination is detected, swift remedial actions—such as disinfection, pipeline repair, or provision of alternative safe water sources—must be taken.
Role of technology in water quality monitoring
The digital transformation of the water sector is a major focus of the JJM. The mission integrates:
Portable digital water testing kits for real-time monitoring, reducing dependency on centralized labs.
JJM-WQMIS (Water Quality Management Information System) for centralised data reporting, enabling better decision-making and policy interventions.
SMS notifications and mobile apps to inform communities about water quality test results, ensuring transparency and local engagement.
Geospatial data integration to map contamination hotspots, allowing authorities to prioritize interventions in affected areas.
Use of AI and IoT sensors for continuous water quality assessment, predictive maintenance, and early warning systems to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.
Awareness and capacity building
Promoting water safety and quality monitoring requires a strong focus on community engagement and capacity building. School-level campaigns play a vital role by encouraging students to participate in water testing activities and learn about water safety, empowering them as advocates for clean water in their communities. Simultaneously, training programs equip local stakeholders—including Gram Panchayats and volunteers—with the skills needed to conduct water quality tests, interpret results, and take remedial actions. Broader awareness is driven by state and national campaigns through media outreach, workshops, and public programs that highlight the importance of clean drinking water. To ensure consistent and reliable monitoring, it is also essential to provide both financial and non-financial incentives to field testers, particularly local volunteers and Gram Panchayat members.
Few labs, too many leaks: The hidden hurdles of keeping water safe
Water quality monitoring faces several critical challenges that hinder its effectiveness, especially in rural and remote areas. A major issue is the lack of adequate testing facilities, as many regions do not have access to NABL-accredited laboratories, leading to delays in detecting contamination. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled personnel trained to carry out water quality assessments, particularly in underserved locations. Infrastructure problems, such as leaky pipelines, poor storage facilities, and inadequate maintenance, further increase the risk of contamination. Data management and transparency are also pressing concerns, with timely reporting and responsive action based on accurate water quality data being essential to prevent health hazards. Lastly, the sustainability of monitoring programs is often threatened by inconsistent funding, limited political will, and insufficient community participation, all of which are crucial for ensuring long-term success.
Future roadmap and recommendations
The future roadmap for water quality monitoring focuses on expanding NABL-accredited labs, conducting regular audits, and adopting AI and IoT-based systems for real-time data and predictive action. Strengthening collaboration between departments, increasing funding, and developing local monitoring units with portable devices are also key to ensuring reliable, sustainable, and community-driven water quality management.
Safe drinking water is essential for a healthy life. While authorities and experts play a key role, individuals and communities must also be proactive in ensuring water safety. By following simple water quality checks and precautions, we can all contribute to making sure that the water we drink is clean, safe, and free from harmful contaminants.
This article is based on the 'Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water'.