Study on How Water Pollution Affects Water Quality in India
PUBLISHED ON: 27-May-2025
Water pollution in India has reached alarming levels, posing significant threats to public health and the environment. With approximately 70% of surface water deemed unfit for consumption, understanding the impact of contaminants on water quality is crucial.1
From industrial effluents to agricultural runoff, the purity of water sources is under constant stress, directly affecting human health, agriculture, and the environment. In such a scenario, choosing the best water purification method is not just a preference—it’s a necessity.
In this context, finding the most effective water purification method becomes essential rather than optional.
This article explores how pollution impacts water quality in India and why modern solutions like a filter RO system are key to ensuring safe and healthy drinking water.
Understanding Water Contaminants in India
Numerous contaminants are found in untreated water, many of which have serious health implications:
Physical Contaminants
These include suspended solids like dust, dirt, and sand particles. While they may seem harmless, ingestion over time can cause gastrointestinal irritation and nausea.
Microorganisms
Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are commonly found in polluted water. These can cause waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, especially in rural and semi-urban regions lacking proper filtration systems.
Chemical & Biological Contaminants
Chemical pollutants like arsenic, fluoride, lead, and mercury, along with biological toxins from decaying matter or industrial waste, can lead to serious health issues, including kidney damage, abdominal pain, neurological disorders, and skin discoloration.
New-Age Contaminants
These are emerging pollutants, often undetectable without using a lens. They include:
- Heavy metals like chromium, cadmium, and mercury.
- Personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoos.
Microplastics from packaging waste and beverage products like energy drinks and soft drinks.
Pesticides & Industrial Pollutants
These often seep into groundwater sources, especially in agricultural and factory-dense areas. Prolonged exposure can interfere with hormone regulation, affect reproductive health, and contribute to certain cancers.
Health Impacts of Polluted Water
Drinking polluted water doesn’t just cause temporary illness—it can lead to long-term and life-threatening diseases:
- Infectious Diseases: Cholera, hepatitis, and diarrhoea are just a few diseases resulting from microorganism-laden water.2
- Heavy Metal Poisoning: Lead, arsenic, and mercury can build up in the body over time, damaging the nervous system, kidneys, and even cognitive function in children.3
- Endocrine Disruption: Pesticides and other chemicals interfere with hormone balance, affecting metabolism, growth, and fertility.4
To avoid these health risks, a robust purification solution is critical, especially one that can handle the diversity and volume of pollutants found in India’s water sources.
Selecting the Ideal Water Purifier According to TDS Levels
One of the most important steps in selecting the best water purification method is understanding the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in your water source:
- TDS from 0—2000 mg/l: Use a RO water purifier – Reverse Osmosis can effectively remove heavy metals, salts, and harmful chemicals from high-TDS water.
- TDS < 200 mg/l: Use a UV water purifier – Ultraviolet filtration is ideal for low-TDS water, particularly from municipal supplies. It neutralizes bacteria and viruses without altering the mineral content.
If you're unsure about the TDS level in your area, it's advisable to get your water tested before purchasing a purifier.
The Role of Filter RO Systems in India
A filter RO system plays a critical role in removing chemical, physical, and biological contaminants. Its semi-permeable membrane blocks even microscopic impurities and heavy metals, making it the most trusted method for household and commercial water purification.
RO technology is especially relevant in India due to the high levels of dissolved impurities found in tap and borewell water. It’s not just about taste—it’s about health and long-term well-being.
Why the Right Filter Matters?
Choosing the right water purifier isn’t just about removing dirt—it’s about preserving health and supporting longevity. Here's why:
Not all purifiers are created equal.
The types of water purifier you choose must match your water's TDS level and source.
Routine Maintenance is Key.
No matter how advanced, a purifier needs timely servicing and genuine filter replacements to function optimally.
Certified Filters = Trusted Purity.
Always opt for certified components to ensure reliable performance and safe water every day.
Recommended Products for Indian Water Conditions
With over four decades of trust, Aquaguard offers some of the best water purification technologies made for Indian homes and offices. Some products that you can consider for your home:
Aquaguard Blaze RO+UV+Hot Water Purifier
Ideal for borewell or high-TDS water (up to 2000 mg/l), the Aquaguard Blaze combines RO, UV, and Taste Adjuster technologies for superior purification. It dispenses hot and ambient water instantly, with a 304 stainless steel tank and copper-lined hot water path for added hygiene. Features like child lock, smart LED alerts, and over-the-counter or wall-mountable design add safety and convenience. With multi-stage filtration and energy-saving mode, Blaze ensures safe, great-tasting water every day.
Aquaguard Slimtech UV Water Purifier
Perfect for homes using municipal water with low TDS (below 200 mg/l), the Aquaguard Slimtech UV Water Purifier offers powerful UV purification in a sleek, modern design. Its Active Copper Booster Technology enriches water with the right amount of copper, while the 5th Gen UV LED lamp ensures instant purification. With a smart LED indicator, toughened glass body, and slim profile, it fits beautifully under the sink, making it a stylish, space-saving solution for safe, healthy drinking water.
Conclusion
Water pollution in India is a growing crisis, but it has solutions. By understanding the types of contaminants, their health impacts, and the significance of matching water purifiers with your water source, you can take a strong step toward safeguarding your family’s health.
Modern filter water purifier systems and UV technologies from trusted brands like Aquaguard offer powerful protection against harmful impurities. Safe water isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Invest in the right purification system today to secure clean, healthy drinking water for tomorrow.
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385057/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water#:~:text=Contaminated%20water%20and%20poor%20sanitation,hepatitis%20A%2C%20typhoid%20and%20polio
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8078867/
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
