The poisoned well: Education under threat

Groundwater contamination is a pervasive challenge that has dire consequences for health, education, and economic outcomes. In India, a country where 67% of groundwater is already contaminated with hazardous substances such as arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates, the stakes are alarmingly high. The issue is compounded by climate change and industrial activities that exacerbate the concentration of toxins in the water supply.

Recent research has revealed the devastating effects of groundwater contamination on educational outcomes, particularly in Assam—a state grappling with some of the highest levels of arsenic contamination in the world. This paper ‘Still waters run deep: Groundwater contamination and education outcomes in India’ explores these findings, their implications for policy, and the urgent need for sustainable interventions.

Groundwater contamination: A multifaceted crisis

Globally, more than 1,800 children under five die daily due to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation, according to UNICEF. In India, the problem is particularly acute. Groundwater, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for millions, is heavily polluted due to both natural and human activities. Heavy metals like arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates—often products of agricultural runoff and industrial discharge—pose significant health risks. Furthermore, climate change is reducing rainwater infiltration rates, leading to higher concentrations of these contaminants in groundwater.

The link between contamination and education

The pathway from contaminated water to compromised education is multifaceted. Prolonged exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and lead has been linked to cognitive delays, gastroenteritis, and fatigue, which directly affect a child’s ability to attend school and perform academically. Additionally, visible health issues like skin and bone deformities can lead to socio-emotional challenges, including stigma and reduced self-esteem. These health burdens are often compounded in low-income households, where children may miss school to care for sick family members or to work.

Despite the well-documented health effects of groundwater contamination, its impact on educational outcomes has received comparatively less attention.

Research findings from Assam

This study conducted across 117 schools in Assam’s Titabor block revealed alarming trends. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, researchers analysed the impact of prolonged exposure to unsafe water on educational metrics such as absenteeism, grade retention, and cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The findings were stark:

• Increased absenteeism: An additional year of exposure to contaminated groundwater led to a 6% rise in school absenteeism. On average, children missed 33.4 days of school in a month—a rate significantly higher in areas with high contamination levels.

• Higher grade retention: The likelihood of repeating a grade increased by 3.6% for every additional year of exposure. Over 15% of students in contaminated areas reported having repeated a grade.

• Lower academic performance: CGPA and numeracy scores were significantly lower among students exposed to unsafe water. In literacy tests, only 3% of students answered all questions correctly, while 37% failed to answer any.

The study also used clayey soil textures as an instrumental variable to isolate the impact of arsenic levels in groundwater. Results indicated that arsenic exposure above WHO-recommended thresholds resulted in an 8.4% increase in monthly absenteeism. Moreover, dynamic treatment effect models showed that prolonged exposure (10+ years) exacerbated educational setbacks, including a 20% increase in the probability of grade retention.

National-level evidence

To complement the findings from Assam, researchers analysed data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), a nationally representative dataset. This analysis confirmed that high arsenic levels negatively affect school attendance. Children in arsenic-affected districts missed an additional 0.38 school days per month, amounting to an 8.4% increase in absenteeism relative to the national average.

The IHDS data also highlighted broader health impacts. Adults in arsenic-affected areas were more likely to suffer from diabetes and respiratory illnesses, further straining household resources and indirectly affecting children’s educational opportunities. Notably, the adverse effects of arsenic on absenteeism were more pronounced among older children and boys, likely due to increased responsibilities at home or in the workforce.

Implications for policy

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of groundwater contamination on education. Key recommendations include:

• Expansion of safe water supply programs: Initiatives like Assam’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission have shown promise. Scaling such programs to ensure broader and more equitable access to safe drinking water is crucial.

• Arsenic-specific mitigation: While sand filters are effective against iron contamination, they do not remove arsenic. Alternatives like rainwater harvesting, arsenic-specific filtration systems, and increased reliance on surface water sources should be prioritised.

• Health and nutrition interventions: Early health interventions can mitigate the cognitive and physical effects of arsenic exposure. Providing nutritional supplements and healthcare support to affected communities can help offset some of the educational setbacks.

• Awareness campaigns: Public education initiatives can increase awareness about the dangers of groundwater contamination and encourage communities to adopt safer water practices.

• Integrated policy approach: Addressing groundwater contamination requires coordination between health, education, and environmental agencies. Policies should incorporate measures to improve water quality, enhance school infrastructure, and provide social support to vulnerable families.

The role of climate change

Climate change exacerbates the groundwater contamination crisis by reducing the rate at which rainwater replenishes aquifers, thereby increasing toxin concentrations. Projections indicate that without significant intervention, the problem will worsen, further jeopardising the health and education of millions. Policymakers must consider climate adaptation strategies, such as sustainable water management and increased investment in alternative water sources, to mitigate these risks.

Economic costs of inaction

The economic implications of groundwater contamination extend beyond healthcare costs. Reduced educational attainment leads to lower productivity and wages, perpetuating cycles of poverty. A study in Assam estimated that reducing arsenic levels to safe limits could yield welfare gains of $2.49 million annually, excluding the long-term benefits of improved education outcomes.

Conclusion

The intersection of groundwater contamination and education is a silent crisis with far-reaching implications. As India grapples with the dual challenges of environmental degradation and socioeconomic inequality, addressing this issue must become a national priority. Investments in safe water infrastructure, coupled with health and education reforms, can break the cycle of contamination, illness, and educational disadvantage. By acting now, India can secure a healthier, more educated future for its children, turning the tide against this hidden but devastating crisis.