MINISTER OF DRINKING WATER AND SANTATION (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a): The permissible limits for selected chemical parameters in drinking water as per
the Bureau of Indian Standards vide standard IS-10500 - 2004 on `Drinking Water
Specifications` are as below. These standards have been mentioned in the guidelines
of the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme.
SI.
No. Parameter Unit Maximum permissible limit &§ per IS-I0500-2004
1. PH 6.5-8.5
2. Arsenic mg/l 0.05
3. Fluoride mg/l 1.50
4. Total Dissolved mg/l 2000 Solids (TDS)
5. Nitrate mg/l 45
6. Iron mg/l 1.0
7. Calcium (as Ca) mg/1 200
8. Magnesium (as mg) mg/1 100
9. Sulphate mg/1 400
10. Alkalinity mg/1 600
(b)&(c): Yes Sir. The list of remaining rural habitations affected with chemical
contaminants of excess arsenic, fluoride, iron, salinity and nitrate in drinking
water sources to be covered with provision of safe drinking water State-wise, as
on 1/4/2011 is given in the Annexure. This includes those affected with excess arsenic
and other chemicals in drinking water sources in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.
(d)&(e): No reports from the State Government Departments dealing with drinking water
supply were received so far, regarding deaths occurred due to presence of such chemicals
in drinking water.
(f): Presence of chemicals like arsenic, fluoride and iron above permissible limits in
drinking water sources is primarily due to natural reasons. The strategy of the Government
is to ensure provision of safe drinking water from alternate safe sources and/or provide
specific water treatment units for removal/bringing the level of such chemicals in drinking
water within permissible limits of BIS Standard IS-10500.
