Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an atmospheric water generator capable of extracting clean drinking water directly from air without requiring any external energy source.The innovative device, detailed in a study published in the Nature Water journal, represents a significant breakthrough in addressing global water scarcity challenges, particularly in arid and drought-stricken regions where traditional water sources are limited.

<h2>How the Device Works</h2>The atmospheric water harvester utilises a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) material that captures water vapour from air through a process called adsorption. The device operates entirely on passive solar energy, making it completely sustainable and energy-independent.According to the MIT research team, the device can produce up to 2.8 litres of clean water per kilogram of MOF material daily, even in environments with humidity levels as low as 20 per cent.<h2>Revolutionary MOF Technology</h2>The key innovation lies in the specially designed MOF material, which consists of crystalline structures with microscopic pores that attract and trap water molecules from the atmosphere."This technology could be a game-changer for communities in water-stressed regions," said Professor Evelyn Wang, lead researcher at MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, speaking to BBC News.The MOF material releases captured water when heated by solar energy during the day, allowing the device to operate continuously without electricity or mechanical components.<h2>Global Water Crisis Solution</h2>The World Health Organisation estimates that 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This new technology could provide a sustainable solution for remote communities, disaster relief efforts, and regions affected by climate change.Field trials conducted in Arizona's desert conditions demonstrated the device's effectiveness in extremely arid environments, producing clean water meeting WHO drinking standards.<h2>Cost-Effective Water Production</h2>The research team projects that large-scale production could reduce costs to approximately £0.02 per litre of water generated, making it economically viable for widespread deployment.Few media reported that the device requires minimal maintenance and can operate for over 10 years with proper care, significantly reducing long-term operational costs compared to traditional water purification systems.<h2>Future Applications and Deployment</h2>MIT researchers are collaborating with humanitarian organisations to deploy pilot projects in water-scarce regions across Africa and the Middle East starting in 2026. The technology could also benefit military operations, space missions, and emergency response scenarios where conventional water infrastructure is unavailable or compromised. Commercial applications are expected to begin within the next three years, with manufacturers already expressing interest in licensing the technology for mass production.

MIT scientists have created a solar-powered device using advanced MOF material to extract clean water directly from air. This breakthrough could help tackle water shortages worldwide, offering a low-cost, sustainable way to produce drinking water without external energy.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an atmospheric water generator capable of extracting clean drinking water directly from air without requiring any external energy source. The innovative device, detailed in a study published in the Nature Water journal, represents a significant breakthrough in addressing global water scarcity challenges, particularly in arid and drought-stricken regions where traditional water sources are limited.

MIT scientists have created a solar-powered device using advanced MOF material to extract clean water directly from air. This breakthrough could help tackle water shortages worldwide, offering a low-cost, sustainable way to produce drinking water without external energy.

This solar-powered device, developed by an MIT scientist, can extract drinking water from the air using solar energy

Dangerously high levels of uranium – which is typically found in nuclear plants – has been recorded in the drinking water sources across six districts in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

As per the guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO), uranium levels should be less than 15 micrograms per litre, but the amount found in Chhattisgarh's drinking water is triple the limit. According to media reports, the amount of uranium in drinking water also crossed the government's limit of 30 micrograms per litre.&nbsp;

High levels of uranium in drinking water can lead to kidney diseases, skin conditions, pulmonary conditions, and cancer. &nbsp;

In 2017, WHO advised that uranium levels in drinking water should be under 15 micrograms per litre, and also acknowledged that "there are uncertainties (if) concentrations above this would be of concern". &nbsp;

India along with a few other countries has crossed the advisable limits of uranium, according to the global health body. Earlier this year, India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre study suggested that 60 micrograms of uranium per litre is also safe to consume.&nbsp;

Samples of drinking water were collected from six districts in Chhattisgarh – Rajnandgaon, Balod, Kawardha, Durg, Bemetara, and Kanker – for conducting uranium tests.&nbsp;

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According to the findings, uranium levels in all six exceeded 100 micrograms per litre. The highest level of uranium was found in Balod’s sample which had around 130 micrograms per litre, Kanker (106 micrograms per litre).&nbsp;

Across the six districts, the average uranium level was 85-105.&nbsp;

According to a report by NDTV, the first samples tested were from a borewell in Balod's Devtarai village, which had no other water source. This was after a few students took water from there, in which high levels of uranium were found.&nbsp;

The chief of the village, Daneshwar Sinha said, "... after that, we ran to the PHE Department (Public Health Emergency Department)&nbsp;and it was tested once again." The village recently opened a second borewell, but the uranium levels in that are still unclear.

Uranium in groundwater has been a point of concern for a long time for health officials. A report by the Central Ground Water Board in January said that the levels&nbsp;had crossed the permissible limits in over 10 states, including Haryana and Punjab, the two states that produce the majority of the wheat supply of the country.

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Notably,&nbsp;water from Kerala&nbsp;did not have any uranium, according to the report.&nbsp;

<h2>What can be done about this uranium contamination?</h2>

A report by NDTV citing a study done by three BIT scientists said&nbsp;that the bark of an amla tree can be used to filter uranium. The findings were published in the Groundwater for Sustainable Development in 2021. The filtering method has been patented but it is yet to be implemented.&nbsp;

Uranium Corporation of India has reportedly suggested&nbsp;large-scale implementation of similar&nbsp;techniques which can filter uranium.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Dangerously high levels of uranium – which is typically found in nuclear plants – has been recorded in the drinking water sources across six districts in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Dangerously high levels of uranium – which is typically found in nuclear plants – has been recorded in the drinking water sources across six districts in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. As per the guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO), uranium levels should be less than 15 micrograms per litre, but the amount found in Chhattisgarh's drinking water is triple the limit. According to media reports, the amount of uranium in drinking water also crossed the government's limit of 30 micrograms per litre. High levels of uranium in drinking water can lead to kidney diseases, skin conditions, pulmonary conditions, and cancer. In 2017, WHO advised that uranium levels in drinking water should be under 15 micrograms per litre, and also acknowledged that "there are uncertainties (if) concentrations above this would be of concern". India along with a few other countries has crossed the advisable limits of uranium, according to the global health body. Earlier this year, India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre study suggested that 60 micrograms of uranium per litre is also safe to consume. Samples of drinking water were collected from six districts in Chhattisgarh – Rajnandgaon, Balod, Kawardha, Durg, Bemetara, and Kanker – for conducting uranium tests. Also Read | BRICS Summit: PM Modi shares hug with President Putin, holds bilateral meeting According to the findings, uranium levels in all six exceeded 100 micrograms per litre. The highest level of uranium was found in Balod’s sample which had around 130 micrograms per litre, Kanker (106 micrograms per litre). Across the six districts, the average uranium level was 85-105. According to a report by NDTV, the first samples tested were from a borewell in Balod's Devtarai village, which had no other water source. This was after a few students took water from there, in which high levels of uranium were found. The chief of the village, Daneshwar Sinha said, "... after that, we ran to the PHE Department (Public Health Emergency Department) and it was tested once again." The village recently opened a second borewell, but the uranium levels in that are still unclear. Uranium in groundwater has been a point of concern for a long time for health officials. A report by the Central Ground Water Board in January said that the levels had crossed the permissible limits in over 10 states, including Haryana and Punjab, the two states that produce the majority of the wheat supply of the country. Also Read | Arab-American voters all set to ditch Kamala over support to Israel? Poll suggests so Notably, water from Kerala did not have any uranium, according to the report. What can be done about this uranium contamination? A report by NDTV citing a study done by three BIT scientists said that the bark of an amla tree can be used to filter uranium. The findings were published in the Groundwater for Sustainable Development in 2021. The filtering method has been patented but it is yet to be implemented. Uranium Corporation of India has reportedly suggested large-scale implementation of similar techniques which can filter uranium. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Dangerous levels of uranium found in Chhattisgarh drinking water. Here's what we know

#gravitas | You have probably heard that chugging water after a night out can save you from a brutal morning after headache, right? Well, turns out that trusty remedy doesn’t really hold up. Researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands decided to put this theory to the test. And the found that water is not the cure to hangover, nor is anything else.

Drinking water doesn't cure hangover? New study

Scientists have been trying to find ways to make the Moon a habitat for humans which has sustainable resources required for life to thrive on it.&nbsp;

Taking this mammoth task a step ahead, the Chinese scientists are now trying to establish a mechanism to produce water on the Moon using lunar soil.&nbsp;

In the quest for life on the Moon, water has been the most important component, as it is needed for survival.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-chandrayaan-3-sends-home-lunar-bonanza-with-magma-theory-evidence-752146">&nbsp;India's Chandrayaan-3 sends home lunar bonanza with magma theory evidence</a>

Now, after finding some signs of water, scientists have attempted to produce water which can keep humans alive on the natural satellite.

Professor WANG Junqiang at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) heads the team of scientists who have developed a way to create water from lunar soil.

<h2>How scientists are extracting drinking water from lunar soil?</h2>

The strategy for large-scale water production on the lunar surface has been created by researchers using a unique chemical reaction between endogenous hydrogen and lunar regolith. This reaction is set to help extract drinking water.

“We used lunar regolith samples brought back by the Chang’E-5 mission in our study, trying to find a way to produce&nbsp;water on the Moon,” said Professor WANG, as he underlined the importance of making use of authentic lunar material to ensure how reliable their experiment is.

In the experiments, it was seen that lunar regolith, when heated above 1,200 K using specially designed concave mirrors, led to the creation of one gramme of molten lunar regolith, which can produce around 51 to 76 mg of water.

According to this, one tonne of lunar regolith can produce more than 50 kg of water, which is equivalent to a hundred 500-ml bottles of drinking water.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-find-underground-caves-on-moon-741666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These many water bottles can provide drinking water&nbsp;to 50 people for an entire day, which highlights how this can sustain human life on Earth.

The researcher also noted that lunar ilmenite (FeTiO3) is an important mineral for water extraction.

The mineral, which is found abundantly in lunar regolith, was observed to be filled with the highest amount of solar wind-implanted&nbsp;hydrogen.

The scientists generating water using lunar soil can also electrochemically decompose it into hydrogen and oxygen, which can provide both breathable air and renewable energy sources for lunar inhabitants.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been trying to find ways to make the Moon a habitat for humans which has sustainable resources required for life to thrive on it. Taking this mammoth task a step ahead, the Chinese scientists are now trying to establish a mechanism to produce water on the Moon using lunar soil.

Scientists have been trying to find ways to make the Moon a habitat for humans which has sustainable resources required for life to thrive on it. Taking this mammoth task a step ahead, the Chinese scientists are now trying to establish a mechanism to produce water on the Moon using lunar soil. In the quest for life on the Moon, water has been the most important component, as it is needed for survival. Also Read: India's Chandrayaan-3 sends home lunar bonanza with magma theory evidence Now, after finding some signs of water, scientists have attempted to produce water which can keep humans alive on the natural satellite. Professor WANG Junqiang at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) heads the team of scientists who have developed a way to create water from lunar soil. How scientists are extracting drinking water from lunar soil? The strategy for large-scale water production on the lunar surface has been created by researchers using a unique chemical reaction between endogenous hydrogen and lunar regolith. This reaction is set to help extract drinking water. “We used lunar regolith samples brought back by the Chang’E-5 mission in our study, trying to find a way to produce water on the Moon,” said Professor WANG, as he underlined the importance of making use of authentic lunar material to ensure how reliable their experiment is. In the experiments, it was seen that lunar regolith, when heated above 1,200 K using specially designed concave mirrors, led to the creation of one gramme of molten lunar regolith, which can produce around 51 to 76 mg of water. According to this, one tonne of lunar regolith can produce more than 50 kg of water, which is equivalent to a hundred 500-ml bottles of drinking water. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon These many water bottles can provide drinking water to 50 people for an entire day, which highlights how this can sustain human life on Earth. The researcher also noted that lunar ilmenite (FeTiO3) is an important mineral for water extraction. The mineral, which is found abundantly in lunar regolith, was observed to be filled with the highest amount of solar wind-implanted hydrogen. The scientists generating water using lunar soil can also electrochemically decompose it into hydrogen and oxygen, which can provide both breathable air and renewable energy sources for lunar inhabitants. (With inputs from agencies)

China is producing drinking water from lunar soil. Can humans turn Moon into a habitat?

Scientists have designed a spacesuit that recycles urine into drinking water, inspired from author Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic Dune’s “stillsuits”. Watch in for more details!

New spacesuit recycles urine into drinking water

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources.

As per the findings released by the federal agency on Wednesday (Apr 10), PFAs or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances were detected in major rivers across the arid state. However, the highest concentrations were found downstream in urban areas.

<h2>High concentration&nbsp;of forever chemicals</h2>

Researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) started inspecting the water in New Mexico after contamination was discovered at military installations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-china-australia-identified-as-hotspots-for-harmful-forever-chemicals-says-news-study-709504">US, China, Australia identified as hotspots for harmful ‘forever chemicals’, says news study</a>

They found a 10 times higher concentration of PFAs in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, compared to its upstream locations.

Researchers also took dozens of samples from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021. However, the officials said that the majority of samples from wells did not turn up PFAs.

<h2>Future decisions</h2>

The latest findings surrounding forever chemicals and contamination will help regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future, said Andy Jochems of the Environment Department's water protection team.

Officials on Wednesday said they do not anticipate that the new regulation would require anything more than continued monitoring and reporting. This is because the utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not witnessed PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits.

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As per Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, the change in concentrations could be due to wastewater discharges and stormwater run-off. Utility spokesperson David Morris said it's possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city's sewage treatment plant.

<h2>Standards to curb 'forever chemicals' from drinking water</h2>

This&nbsp;comes, as the US&nbsp;Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever drinking water standard to protect people against toxic "forever chemicals" found in many household and everyday items.&nbsp;

In its first&nbsp;major move to curb the cancer-causing chemicals, the agency&nbsp;offered $1 billion to states for public water system testing.

The final rule is expected to impact around six and 10 per cent of the 66,000 public drinking water systems in the United States. Additionally, it will result in a significant decrease in exposure to the group of 15,000 chemicals known as PFAS for approximately 100 million individuals. It would help avoid tens of thousands of deaths that have been linked to PFAS, said&nbsp;the agency, as quoted by Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources.

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources. As per the findings released by the federal agency on Wednesday (Apr 10), PFAs or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances were detected in major rivers across the arid state. However, the highest concentrations were found downstream in urban areas. High concentration of forever chemicals Researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) started inspecting the water in New Mexico after contamination was discovered at military installations. Also read | US, China, Australia identified as hotspots for harmful ‘forever chemicals’, says news study They found a 10 times higher concentration of PFAs in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, compared to its upstream locations. Researchers also took dozens of samples from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021. However, the officials said that the majority of samples from wells did not turn up PFAs. Future decisions The latest findings surrounding forever chemicals and contamination will help regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future, said Andy Jochems of the Environment Department's water protection team. Officials on Wednesday said they do not anticipate that the new regulation would require anything more than continued monitoring and reporting. This is because the utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not witnessed PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits. Also read | People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts As per Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, the change in concentrations could be due to wastewater discharges and stormwater run-off. Utility spokesperson David Morris said it's possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city's sewage treatment plant. Standards to curb 'forever chemicals' from drinking water This comes, as the US Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever drinking water standard to protect people against toxic "forever chemicals" found in many household and everyday items. In its first major move to curb the cancer-causing chemicals, the agency offered $1 billion to states for public water system testing. The final rule is expected to impact around six and 10 per cent of the 66,000 public drinking water systems in the United States. Additionally, it will result in a significant decrease in exposure to the group of 15,000 chemicals known as PFAS for approximately 100 million individuals. It would help avoid tens of thousands of deaths that have been linked to PFAS, said the agency, as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers find high quantities of cancer causing 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water

Scientists have been warning that a bottle of drinking water contains plastic but what is more shocking is the amount that they are present in it. Research by National Academy of Science has revealed that a litre of bottle contains an average of 240,000 nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics found in bottled drinking water; 240,000 plastic bits in 1 litre water, says study

Twenty-six million people in the United States have the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Thursday (August 17).

Twenty-six million people in the United States have the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Thursday (August 17). According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the EPA's fifth unregulated contaminant monitoring rule requires water utilities across the US to test drinking water for 29 different PFAS compounds. The initial round of data released by the EPA confirmed the presence of PFAS at 431 water systems at levels above minimum reporting limits. The report said that this is consistent with a 2020 study of the EWG which estimated that over 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their drinking water. Scott Faber, the senior vice president for government affairs at EWG, said that for decades Americans have unknowingly consumed water tainted with PFAS. "The new testing data shows that escaping PFAS is nearly impossible. The EPA has done its job, and the Biden White House must finalize drinking water standards this year." Water systems known to be contaminated in over 2,800 locations A map now showed public and private water systems known to be contaminated with toxic PFAS at more than 2,800 locations in 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories. The report also said that laboratory tests published by the EWG last month anticipated the worrisome new results from the EPA this week. The group's test found the presence of a variety of PFAS in the drinking water of numerous cities across 18 states, spanning from California to Connecticut. Widespread PFAS pollution The EWG estimated that there could be nearly 30,000 industrial polluters releasing PFAS into the environment, including into sources of drinking water. It said restricting industrial discharges will reduce the amount of PFAS drinking water utilities must treat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected PFAS in the blood of 99 per cent of Americans, including newborn babies. Citing studies, the report further said that exposure to very low levels of PFAS can also increase the risk of cancer, harm fetal development and reduce vaccine effectiveness. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: 26 million people have 'forever chemicals' in their drinking water, says report

A new study has found that reusable bottles can harbour around 40000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. A team of researchers swabbed different parts of water bottles including the spout lid, screw-top lid, stray lid and squeeze-top lid and found two types of bacteria present - gram-negative rods and bacillus.

Reusable water bottles carry 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat : Study

Consuming just one portion of freshwater fish locally caught in a river or lake in the United States is equivalent to a month of drinking water full of “forever chemicals,” a new study revealed on Tuesday.

According to Interesting Engineering, the invisible chemicals called Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) such as water-proof or non-stick coatings that people get to see on products like mobile phones, food packages, etc. are called forever chemicals. PFAS is a group of over 9,000 varied chemicals – the usage of some of which is banned or highly restricted, Study Finds reported.

“The extent to which PFAS has contaminated fish is staggering,” said first author Nadia Barbo, a graduate student at Duke University, in a statement, Local Today reported. “There should be a single health-protecting fish consumption recommendation for freshwater fish nationwide.”

The data that researchers examined were collected from over 500 samples of fish filets in the U.S. between 2013 to 2015. &nbsp;The median level of total PFAS in fish filets was 9,500 nanograms per kilogramme, with a median level of 11,800 nanograms per kilogramme in the Great Lakes, Eurekalert reported.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/science/fishes-feel-pain-stress-and-anxiety-organisation-introduces-proposal-for-their-humane-slaughter-523756" hreflang="en">Fish feel 'pain, stress and anxiety': Organisation introduces proposal for their 'humane slaughter'</a>

PFAS is believed to have penetrated local waterways that impact drinking water supplies and contaminate the irrigated plants and fish found living there. Fish consumption has long been associated with exposing eaters to PFAS, as per the study. In 1979, for the first time, researchers identified such contamination in catfish inhabiting the Tennessee River.

“Food has always been a kind of hypothesis for how most people are exposed to PFAS compounds,” The Hill quoted author David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, as saying.

The study by Environmental Working Group scientists suggests the quantity of PFAS in freshwater on an average across the US was 280 times higher than forever chemicals found in commercially caught fish.

“People who consume freshwater fish, especially those who catch and eat fish regularly, are at risk of alarming levels of PFAS in their bodies,” one of the study’s lead authors Andrews said. “Growing up, I went fishing every week and ate those fish. But now when I see fish, all I think about is PFAS contamination.”

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/rare-fish-with-transparent-head-spotted-in-deep-sea-wion-originals-513859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This discovery was "particularly concerning due to the impact on disadvantaged communities that consume fish as a source protein or for social or cultural reasons," he added. "This research makes me incredibly angry because companies that made and used PFAS contaminated the globe and have not been held responsible."

Repetitive exposure to these chemicals not only weakens the immune system but results in severe health issues like cancer. These toxic substances don’t easily degrade in nature or inside the human body and therefore,&nbsp;Andrews urged for more rigorous regulation to discontinue non-essential uses of PFAS.

On Friday, European countries, including Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands jointly submitted to the EU's European Chemicals Agency a proposal to ban PFAS, France 24 reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Consuming just one portion of freshwater fish locally caught in a river or lake in the United States is equivalent to a month of drinking water full of “forever chemicals,” a new study revealed on Tuesday.

Consuming just one portion of freshwater fish locally caught in a river or lake in the United States is equivalent to a month of drinking water full of “forever chemicals,” a new study revealed on Tuesday. According to Interesting Engineering, the invisible chemicals called Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) such as water-proof or non-stick coatings that people get to see on products like mobile phones, food packages, etc. are called forever chemicals. PFAS is a group of over 9,000 varied chemicals – the usage of some of which is banned or highly restricted, Study Finds reported. “The extent to which PFAS has contaminated fish is staggering,” said first author Nadia Barbo, a graduate student at Duke University, in a statement, Local Today reported. “There should be a single health-protecting fish consumption recommendation for freshwater fish nationwide.” The data that researchers examined were collected from over 500 samples of fish filets in the U.S. between 2013 to 2015. The median level of total PFAS in fish filets was 9,500 nanograms per kilogramme, with a median level of 11,800 nanograms per kilogramme in the Great Lakes, Eurekalert reported. Also Read | Fish feel 'pain, stress and anxiety': Organisation introduces proposal for their 'humane slaughter' PFAS is believed to have penetrated local waterways that impact drinking water supplies and contaminate the irrigated plants and fish found living there. Fish consumption has long been associated with exposing eaters to PFAS, as per the study. In 1979, for the first time, researchers identified such contamination in catfish inhabiting the Tennessee River. “Food has always been a kind of hypothesis for how most people are exposed to PFAS compounds,” The Hill quoted author David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, as saying. The study by Environmental Working Group scientists suggests the quantity of PFAS in freshwater on an average across the US was 280 times higher than forever chemicals found in commercially caught fish. “People who consume freshwater fish, especially those who catch and eat fish regularly, are at risk of alarming levels of PFAS in their bodies,” one of the study’s lead authors Andrews said. “Growing up, I went fishing every week and ate those fish. But now when I see fish, all I think about is PFAS contamination.” Watch | Rare fish with transparent head spotted in Deep Sea This discovery was "particularly concerning due to the impact on disadvantaged communities that consume fish as a source protein or for social or cultural reasons," he added. "This research makes me incredibly angry because companies that made and used PFAS contaminated the globe and have not been held responsible." Repetitive exposure to these chemicals not only weakens the immune system but results in severe health issues like cancer. These toxic substances don’t easily degrade in nature or inside the human body and therefore, Andrews urged for more rigorous regulation to discontinue non-essential uses of PFAS. On Friday, European countries, including Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands jointly submitted to the EU's European Chemicals Agency a proposal to ban PFAS, France 24 reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Consuming one wild fish is equivalent to month of drinking ‘forever chemicals’ water: Study

8,000 people in the Canadian city of Iqaluit have been without 'drinking water' for 3 days. The city's water supplies have been contaminated, the water is not safe even if boiled or filtered. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 8,000 people in Canadian city don't have drinking water

Billions are at risk of water scarcity after lack of water resource management in Asia, Africa. Over 5 billion may face drinking water shortage by 2050.

Billions are at risk of water scarcity, says UN

A team of scientists at the Tufts University School of Engineering has developed a new filtering technology inspired by biology that could help curb a drinking water-related disease that affects tens of millions of people worldwide and potentially improve environmental remediation, industrial and chemical production, and mining, among other processes.

Reporting in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers demonstrated that their novel polymer membranes can separate fluoride from chloride and other ions - electrically charged atoms -- with twice the selectivity reported by other methods. They say the application of the technology could prevent fluoride toxicity in water supplies where the element occurs naturally at levels too high for human consumption.

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It is well known that adding fluoride to a water supply can reduce the incidence of tooth decay, including cavities. Less well known is the fact that some groundwater supplies have such high natural levels of fluoride that they can lead to severe health problems.

Prolonged exposure to excess fluoride can cause fluorosis, a condition that can actually weaken the teeth, calcify tendons and ligaments, and lead to bone deformities. The World Health Organization estimates that excessive fluoride concentrations in drinking water have caused tens of millions of dental and skeletal fluorosis cases worldwide.

The ability to remove fluoride with a relatively inexpensive filtering membrane could protect communities from fluorosis without requiring the use of high-pressure filtration or having to completely remove all components and then re-mineralize the drinking water"The potential for ion-selective membranes to reduce excess fluoride in drinking water supplies is very encouraging," said Ayse Asatekin, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering in the School of Engineering.

"But the technology`s potential usefulness extends beyond drinking water to other challenges. The method we used to manufacture the membranes is easy to scale up for industrial applications. And because the implementation as a filter can also be relatively simple, low cost, and environmentally sustainable, it could have wide applications to improving agricultural water supplies, cleaning up chemical waste, and improving chemical production," Ayse added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-extends-ingenuity-copters-mission-on-mars-indefinitely-411301" hreflang="en">NASA extends Ingenuity copter's mission on Mars indefinitely</a>

For example, theoretically, the process could improve yields from limited geological reserves of lithium for sustainable lithium battery production or uranium needed for nuclear power generation, said AsatekinIn developing the design of the synthetic membranes, Asatekin`s team was inspired by biology. Cell membranes are remarkably selective in allowing the passage of ions into and out of the cell, and they can even regulate the internal and external concentrations of ions and molecules with great precision.

Biological ion channels create a more selective environment for the passage of these small ions by lining the channels with functional chemical groups that have different sizes and charges and different affinities for water. The interaction between the passing ions and these groups are forced by the nanometer dimensions of the channel pores, and the rite of passage is affected by the strength or weakness of the interactions.

The filtration membranes created by Asatekin`s team were designed by coating a zwitterionic polymer -- a polymer in which molecular groups contain closely linked positive and negative charges on their surface -- onto a porous support, creating membranes with channels narrower than a nanometer surrounded by both water-repelling and plus and minus-charged chemical groups.

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As with the biological channels, the very small size of the pores forces the ions to interact with the charged and water-repelling groups in the pores, allowing some ions to pass much faster than others. In the current study, the composition of the polymer was made to target the selection of fluoride vs chloride. By altering the composition of the zwitterionic polymer, it should be possible to target the selection of different ions, the researchers say.

Most current filtering membranes separate molecules by significant differences in particle or molecular size and charge, but have difficulty distinguishing single atom ions from each other because of their small size and when their electric charges are nearly identical.

By contrast, the Tufts researchers` membranes are capable of separating ions that differ by only a fraction of their atomic diameter even when their electric charges are nearly identical.

Zwitterco, a Cambridge-based company that helped fund this work will be exploring the scale-up in manufacturing the ion separating membranes to test their application in industrial settings.

A team of scientists at the Tufts University School of Engineering has developed a new filtering technology inspired by biology that could help curb a drinking water-related disease that affects tens of millions of people worldwide and potentially improve environmental remediation, industrial and chemical production, and mining, among other processes.

A team of scientists at the Tufts University School of Engineering has developed a new filtering technology inspired by biology that could help curb a drinking water-related disease that affects tens of millions of people worldwide and potentially improve environmental remediation, industrial and chemical production, and mining, among other processes. Reporting in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers demonstrated that their novel polymer membranes can separate fluoride from chloride and other ions - electrically charged atoms -- with twice the selectivity reported by other methods. They say the application of the technology could prevent fluoride toxicity in water supplies where the element occurs naturally at levels too high for human consumption. Also read | COVID-19 may not impair lung function in young adults, research shows It is well known that adding fluoride to a water supply can reduce the incidence of tooth decay, including cavities. Less well known is the fact that some groundwater supplies have such high natural levels of fluoride that they can lead to severe health problems. Prolonged exposure to excess fluoride can cause fluorosis, a condition that can actually weaken the teeth, calcify tendons and ligaments, and lead to bone deformities. The World Health Organization estimates that excessive fluoride concentrations in drinking water have caused tens of millions of dental and skeletal fluorosis cases worldwide. The ability to remove fluoride with a relatively inexpensive filtering membrane could protect communities from fluorosis without requiring the use of high-pressure filtration or having to completely remove all components and then re-mineralize the drinking water"The potential for ion-selective membranes to reduce excess fluoride in drinking water supplies is very encouraging," said Ayse Asatekin, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering in the School of Engineering. "But the technology`s potential usefulness extends beyond drinking water to other challenges. The method we used to manufacture the membranes is easy to scale up for industrial applications. And because the implementation as a filter can also be relatively simple, low cost, and environmentally sustainable, it could have wide applications to improving agricultural water supplies, cleaning up chemical waste, and improving chemical production," Ayse added. Also read | NASA extends Ingenuity copter's mission on Mars indefinitely For example, theoretically, the process could improve yields from limited geological reserves of lithium for sustainable lithium battery production or uranium needed for nuclear power generation, said AsatekinIn developing the design of the synthetic membranes, Asatekin`s team was inspired by biology. Cell membranes are remarkably selective in allowing the passage of ions into and out of the cell, and they can even regulate the internal and external concentrations of ions and molecules with great precision. Biological ion channels create a more selective environment for the passage of these small ions by lining the channels with functional chemical groups that have different sizes and charges and different affinities for water. The interaction between the passing ions and these groups are forced by the nanometer dimensions of the channel pores, and the rite of passage is affected by the strength or weakness of the interactions. The filtration membranes created by Asatekin`s team were designed by coating a zwitterionic polymer -- a polymer in which molecular groups contain closely linked positive and negative charges on their surface -- onto a porous support, creating membranes with channels narrower than a nanometer surrounded by both water-repelling and plus and minus-charged chemical groups. Also read | Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming As with the biological channels, the very small size of the pores forces the ions to interact with the charged and water-repelling groups in the pores, allowing some ions to pass much faster than others. In the current study, the composition of the polymer was made to target the selection of fluoride vs chloride. By altering the composition of the zwitterionic polymer, it should be possible to target the selection of different ions, the researchers say. Most current filtering membranes separate molecules by significant differences in particle or molecular size and charge, but have difficulty distinguishing single atom ions from each other because of their small size and when their electric charges are nearly identical. By contrast, the Tufts researchers` membranes are capable of separating ions that differ by only a fraction of their atomic diameter even when their electric charges are nearly identical. Zwitterco, a Cambridge-based company that helped fund this work will be exploring the scale-up in manufacturing the ion separating membranes to test their application in industrial settings.

New filtering method promises safer drinking water, improved industrial production

The densely populated Gaza Strip has long lacked official drinking water. But, a new project has now helped mitigate this shortfall with the solar power process.

Israel firm helps Gaza strip residents amidst worsening water crisis

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing.

Increasing access to the improved and sustainable water supply is critical to developing human capital to unleash the growth potential of rural areas.&nbsp;

The projects will provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts.&nbsp;

Village Water and Sanitation Committees/ Paani Samiti have been constituted in all these villages, who will shoulder the responsibility of operation and maintenance. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 5,555.38 Crore. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months.

The Prime Minister will also interact with Village Water &amp; Sanitation Committee/ Paani Samiti Members during the event. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath will also be present on the occasion.

The Central government initiated the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe and adequate quantity drinking water to every rural household of the country by 2024 with the motto "Har Ghar Jal". The programme also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and has extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission. It looks to create a Jan Andolan for water, thereby making it everyone's priority.

There are about 19 crore households in India. Only 24% have Freshwater Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). The mission aims to provide 14, 33, 21,049 households with FHTC through the partnership of all stakeholders including inter alia the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions and local communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing.

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing. Increasing access to the improved and sustainable water supply is critical to developing human capital to unleash the growth potential of rural areas. The projects will provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts. Village Water and Sanitation Committees/ Paani Samiti have been constituted in all these villages, who will shoulder the responsibility of operation and maintenance. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 5,555.38 Crore. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months. The Prime Minister will also interact with Village Water & Sanitation Committee/ Paani Samiti Members during the event. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath will also be present on the occasion. The Central government initiated the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe and adequate quantity drinking water to every rural household of the country by 2024 with the motto "Har Ghar Jal". The programme also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and has extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission. It looks to create a Jan Andolan for water, thereby making it everyone's priority. There are about 19 crore households in India. Only 24% have Freshwater Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). The mission aims to provide 14, 33, 21,049 households with FHTC through the partnership of all stakeholders including inter alia the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions and local communities. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for rural drinking water supply projects in UP on November 22

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply &amp; Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year.

The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft.&nbsp;

Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021.

In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city.&nbsp;

It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015.

The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu.

This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark. As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year. The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft. Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021. In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city. It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015. The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

Amid monsoon, water levels in reservoirs around Chennai over half capacity 

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water.&nbsp;

Your feet hurting, walking 5-7 kilometres daily in the scorching heat. Fetching water doesn’t get you any money. It only gets you survival. Life. This is how 82 per cent of rural households in India get their water. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, 18 crore people living in rural areas don’t have access to piped water. The source of water being kilometres away. Often dirty and in summer months dry.&nbsp;

Women in these households perform this task of fetching water daily, which you wouldn’t even dare to do. Access to clean drinking water in rural India is a massive challenge. Niti Aayog report states that 70 per cent of India’s surface water — rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands etc are polluted.&nbsp;

This makes the proximity to the source of clean water a serious problem. Our governments, public policy practitioners, non-government organisations and society at large — all stakeholders have come out with various solutions to the problem. Water is&nbsp;a subject which state governments deal with, but the union government has announced a massive integrated plan called Jal Jeevan Mission. Rs 3.6 lakh crore are to be spent on this project which aims to provide piped water connection to every rural household by 2024.

It is essential to understand the water system, its vastness and complexities. First, in any developing country, building and managing water infrastructure is a huge societal enterprise. A large amount of capital expenditure is necessary to build piped water&nbsp;networks. We are witnessing that in the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission.

Second, the storage of water is easy and convenient but the transportation of water is difficult and very expensive. Compare that with the transportation of similar natural resource, let’s say electricity. Electricity is easy to transport, but difficult to store. This is&nbsp;in diametrically opposite to water. No wonder, in India, electricity transportation to remote areas is still an easy task than distributing water. Long-distance transportation of electricity is feasible, but water transportation is required for localised areas.

Third, contaminated water always returns as food on our table. Most of our rivers are lying on deathbeds due to heavy pollution and human exploitation. Agricultural runoff is harmful to rivers because of the use of chemicals for cultivation, which has become the&nbsp;norm today. Any food growing on their banks is laced with heavy toxins and chemicals.

Policy interventions should be simple. Governments should have minimum interference upon the lives of individuals. The problem of access to water to rural India can have multiple solutions. So, what is the one simplest solution to this problem?

We need to clean up our surface water. The 70 per cent polluted surface water sources which Niti Aayog has identified consist of 13,000 lakes, ponds and wetlands, apart from 35 tributaries of major rivers. Even if we clean-up 13000 water bodies. It will solve only part of the problem. We need to begin somewhere. A ‘Swachh Jal Mission’ should be undertaken within the framework of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which if implemented correctly can clean these 13000 surface water bodies. Installing de-silting machinery and 
ecological cleaning are the easy ways which we can do it.

Critics may argue that we already have similar mechanisms under the Namami Gange scheme launched by the union government and it is not showing many results. This is because the little emphasis is there on the monitoring of this mechanism in the Ganga&nbsp;cleaning mission. Every district should have a Swachh Jal Centre which can use technology to monitor the pollutant levels in the water bodies. Independent audits need to be done to oversee the entire process.

An awareness campaign which highlights the importance of clean water bodies in rural areas must be launched. An estimated 15 lakh hectares of water bodies will be cleaned up, and an additional 2.33 crore households will have access to clean water, if this mechanism is adopted. This will benefit 13 per cent households, thus lowering the 82 per cent household without access to around 68 per cent. Some progress, indeed.

According to the author’s rough calculations, an amount of Rs 7,000 crore is projected to be spent for 3 years, if this simple mechanism is adopted for 13000 water bodies. This is a small figure compared to what the government intends to spend.&nbsp;

Water is the lifeline of our existence. It is not just an economic good, but it has cultural, social and environmental significance. Civilizations are born and destroyed by water.

India has a rich culture of preserving water through our step wells and bawlis. Cleaning up water and using it as an economic asset is the need of the hour. As the Sanskrit shloka goes – Prakritih Rakshati Rakshita — Nature protects, if it is protected.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water.

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water. Your feet hurting, walking 5-7 kilometres daily in the scorching heat. Fetching water doesn’t get you any money. It only gets you survival. Life. This is how 82 per cent of rural households in India get their water. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, 18 crore people living in rural areas don’t have access to piped water. The source of water being kilometres away. Often dirty and in summer months dry. Women in these households perform this task of fetching water daily, which you wouldn’t even dare to do. Access to clean drinking water in rural India is a massive challenge. Niti Aayog report states that 70 per cent of India’s surface water — rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands etc are polluted. This makes the proximity to the source of clean water a serious problem. Our governments, public policy practitioners, non-government organisations and society at large — all stakeholders have come out with various solutions to the problem. Water is a subject which state governments deal with, but the union government has announced a massive integrated plan called Jal Jeevan Mission. Rs 3.6 lakh crore are to be spent on this project which aims to provide piped water connection to every rural household by 2024. It is essential to understand the water system, its vastness and complexities. First, in any developing country, building and managing water infrastructure is a huge societal enterprise. A large amount of capital expenditure is necessary to build piped water networks. We are witnessing that in the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission. Second, the storage of water is easy and convenient but the transportation of water is difficult and very expensive. Compare that with the transportation of similar natural resource, let’s say electricity. Electricity is easy to transport, but difficult to store. This is in diametrically opposite to water. No wonder, in India, electricity transportation to remote areas is still an easy task than distributing water. Long-distance transportation of electricity is feasible, but water transportation is required for localised areas. Third, contaminated water always returns as food on our table. Most of our rivers are lying on deathbeds due to heavy pollution and human exploitation. Agricultural runoff is harmful to rivers because of the use of chemicals for cultivation, which has become the norm today. Any food growing on their banks is laced with heavy toxins and chemicals. Policy interventions should be simple. Governments should have minimum interference upon the lives of individuals. The problem of access to water to rural India can have multiple solutions. So, what is the one simplest solution to this problem? We need to clean up our surface water. The 70 per cent polluted surface water sources which Niti Aayog has identified consist of 13,000 lakes, ponds and wetlands, apart from 35 tributaries of major rivers. Even if we clean-up 13000 water bodies. It will solve only part of the problem. We need to begin somewhere. A ‘Swachh Jal Mission’ should be undertaken within the framework of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which if implemented correctly can clean these 13000 surface water bodies. Installing de-silting machinery and ecological cleaning are the easy ways which we can do it. Critics may argue that we already have similar mechanisms under the Namami Gange scheme launched by the union government and it is not showing many results. This is because the little emphasis is there on the monitoring of this mechanism in the Ganga cleaning mission. Every district should have a Swachh Jal Centre which can use technology to monitor the pollutant levels in the water bodies. Independent audits need to be done to oversee the entire process. An awareness campaign which highlights the importance of clean water bodies in rural areas must be launched. An estimated 15 lakh hectares of water bodies will be cleaned up, and an additional 2.33 crore households will have access to clean water, if this mechanism is adopted. This will benefit 13 per cent households, thus lowering the 82 per cent household without access to around 68 per cent. Some progress, indeed. According to the author’s rough calculations, an amount of Rs 7,000 crore is projected to be spent for 3 years, if this simple mechanism is adopted for 13000 water bodies. This is a small figure compared to what the government intends to spend. Water is the lifeline of our existence. It is not just an economic good, but it has cultural, social and environmental significance. Civilizations are born and destroyed by water. India has a rich culture of preserving water through our step wells and bawlis. Cleaning up water and using it as an economic asset is the need of the hour. As the Sanskrit shloka goes – Prakritih Rakshati Rakshita — Nature protects, if it is protected. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Resolving clean water woes of rural India

Ambrose D’Mello is 52-year-old and has been on a silent protest since 2005. He is protesting against the sale of packaged drinking water. He carries a slate with him to communicate by writing on it using a small piece of a damp cloth. Watch this video to know more about D’Mello's fight.

This 52-year-old man is on a 'Silent Protest' to make 'Big Noise'

Residents of Gilgit city in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">Pakistan</a>-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. 
 
The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. 
 
The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. 
 
Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. 
 
"The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. 
 
A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. 
 
"We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. 
 
The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. 
 
The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. 
 
The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. "The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. "We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

PoK residents raise concerns over contaminated drinking water, sewage issues

Locals of Chukru village here in the district claim that the presence of fluoride in drinking water is causing physical disabilities among the residents. 
 
Rajeshwar Pal, a villager said, "the contaminated water damages our bones and teeth. Many young people have lost their lives". 
 
"We are facing this issue for the last 25 years. Nobody in the village is above 50-year-old. I am 69-year-old and I am the oldest person here. The government suggests us to leave the place but we all are handicapped. How can we survive somewhere else?" he added. 
 
"Once a social activist came here and took the sample from the hand-pump and well and it was found that the sample had fluoride. I have back pain since last 20-22 years," said Satyanarayan. 
 
Ingestion of excessive fluoride, most commonly in drinking water can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bone. Moderate amounts lead to dental effects, but long term ingestion of large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeleton problems.

Locals of Chukru village here in the district claim that the presence of fluoride in drinking water is causing physical disabilities among the residents. Rajeshwar Pal, a villager said, "the contaminated water damages our bones and teeth.

Locals of Chukru village here in the district claim that the presence of fluoride in drinking water is causing physical disabilities among the residents. Rajeshwar Pal, a villager said, "the contaminated water damages our bones and teeth. Many young people have lost their lives". "We are facing this issue for the last 25 years. Nobody in the village is above 50-year-old. I am 69-year-old and I am the oldest person here. The government suggests us to leave the place but we all are handicapped. How can we survive somewhere else?" he added. "Once a social activist came here and took the sample from the hand-pump and well and it was found that the sample had fluoride. I have back pain since last 20-22 years," said Satyanarayan. Ingestion of excessive fluoride, most commonly in drinking water can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bone. Moderate amounts lead to dental effects, but long term ingestion of large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeleton problems.

Jharkhand: Locals allege presence of fluoride in drinking water

Only about 58.2 per cent of the households in the rural and about 80.7 per cent in the urban areas had drinking water facilities within the household premises during July-December 2018, according to the findings of National Sample Survey (NSS).

These findings are part of the report titled 'Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Conditions in India'.

The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducted the survey on drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing condition as a part of 76th round of NSS.

"The major source of drinking water was hand pump for the households in the rural areas and piped water into a dwelling in the urban areas," says the report.

"About 42.9 per cent of the households in the rural areas used hand pump as the principal source of drinking water and about 40.9 per cent of the households in the urban areas used piped water into the dwelling as the principal source of drinking water," adds the report.

According to the report, about 48.6 per cent of the households in the rural and about 57.5 per cent in the urban areas had exclusive access to the principal source of drinking water.

Whereas about 87.6 per cent of the households in the rural and about 90.9 per cent in the urban areas had sufficient drinking water throughout the year from the principal source.

Only 94.5 per cent of the households in the rural and about 97.4 per cent in the urban areas used 'improved source of drinking water'&nbsp;like bottled water, piped water into dwelling, piped water to yard or plot, piped water from neighbour, public tap or standpipe, tube well, hand pump, protected well, public tanker truck, private tanker truck, protected spring and rainwater collection.

About 51.4 per cent of the households in the rural and about 72.0 per cent in the urban areas used an improved source of drinking water, sufficiently available throughout the year located on the premises.&nbsp; 
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Only about 58.2 per cent of the households in the rural and about 80.7 per cent in the urban areas had drinking water facilities within the household premises during July-December 2018, according to the findings of National Sample Survey (NSS).

Only about 58.2 per cent of the households in the rural and about 80.7 per cent in the urban areas had drinking water facilities within the household premises during July-December 2018, according to the findings of National Sample Survey (NSS). These findings are part of the report titled 'Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Conditions in India'. The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducted the survey on drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing condition as a part of 76th round of NSS. "The major source of drinking water was hand pump for the households in the rural areas and piped water into a dwelling in the urban areas," says the report. "About 42.9 per cent of the households in the rural areas used hand pump as the principal source of drinking water and about 40.9 per cent of the households in the urban areas used piped water into the dwelling as the principal source of drinking water," adds the report. According to the report, about 48.6 per cent of the households in the rural and about 57.5 per cent in the urban areas had exclusive access to the principal source of drinking water. Whereas about 87.6 per cent of the households in the rural and about 90.9 per cent in the urban areas had sufficient drinking water throughout the year from the principal source. Only 94.5 per cent of the households in the rural and about 97.4 per cent in the urban areas used 'improved source of drinking water' like bottled water, piped water into dwelling, piped water to yard or plot, piped water from neighbour, public tap or standpipe, tube well, hand pump, protected well, public tanker truck, private tanker truck, protected spring and rainwater collection. About 51.4 per cent of the households in the rural and about 72.0 per cent in the urban areas used an improved source of drinking water, sufficiently available throughout the year located on the premises.

58.2% of rural, 80.7% of urban households have drinking water facilities within their homes: National Sample Survey

Microplastics contained in drinking water pose a "low" risk to human health at current levels, but more research is needed to reassure consumers, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. Studies over the past year on plastic particles detected in tap and bottled water have sparked public concerns but the limited data appear reassuring, the UN agency said its first report on potential health risks associated with ingestion.

Plastic particles in drinking water present 'low' risk - WHO

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu, which is facing a water crisis, but the latter has declined it, saying there was "no need for the help at present."

"Since the major water bodies of Chennai has been facing acute water shortage, the Kerala government decided to extend a helping hand," a release issued from the Kerala Chief Minister's office said.

Though chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office contacted the Tamil Nadu CMO on the offer, the neighbouring state informed that "at present, there is no need for the help, it said.

Kerala was prepared to transport 20 lakh litres of drinking water from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai through train, the release added.

Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration minister S P Velumani told reporters in Coimbatore in that deficiency in some groundwater conservation projects were identified at various places, including Chennai, and were being attended to.

He said Tamil Nadu was facing the worst-ever drought. Rains were expected in a few days, he said.

As far as Chennai was concerned, he said there was depletion of groundwater as the city had witnessed rains 190 days ago.

Water was being supplied through lorries and borewells are being dug wherever the water problem prevails, he added.

The Tamil Nadu government has said it was largely dependent on groundwater to meet requirements till the onset of the northeast monsoon in October.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami has said drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but claimed the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu, which is facing a water crisis, but the latter has declined it, saying there was "no need for the help at present.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu, which is facing a water crisis, but the latter has declined it, saying there was "no need for the help at present." "Since the major water bodies of Chennai has been facing acute water shortage, the Kerala government decided to extend a helping hand," a release issued from the Kerala Chief Minister's office said. Though chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office contacted the Tamil Nadu CMO on the offer, the neighbouring state informed that "at present, there is no need for the help, it said. Kerala was prepared to transport 20 lakh litres of drinking water from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai through train, the release added. Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration minister S P Velumani told reporters in Coimbatore in that deficiency in some groundwater conservation projects were identified at various places, including Chennai, and were being attended to. He said Tamil Nadu was facing the worst-ever drought. Rains were expected in a few days, he said. As far as Chennai was concerned, he said there was depletion of groundwater as the city had witnessed rains 190 days ago. Water was being supplied through lorries and borewells are being dug wherever the water problem prevails, he added. The Tamil Nadu government has said it was largely dependent on groundwater to meet requirements till the onset of the northeast monsoon in October. Chief Minister K Palaniswami has said drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but claimed the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

Tamil Nadu rejects Kerala's offer of 20 lakh litres drinking water

Only Two Cities In India Have Drinkable Tap Water. The Lack Of Clean Drinking Water Can Trigger A Major Crisis. By 2020, India Could Be Called 'Water Stressed'. Watch This Report From Gravitas.

Gravitas: Over 70 Years After Independence, Only Two Indian Cities Have Clear Tap Water

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