Contaminated groundwater

A quarter of the country’s population is at risk, according to a fresh study on contaminated water in the Indus Valley


Editorial August 25, 2017
Farmers ask government to take interest in revival of industry. PHOTOS: FILE

Out of the many afflictions plaguing our country the threat of mass poisoning due to abnormally high levels of arsenic in groundwater seems to be the gravest. A quarter of the country’s population is currently at risk, according to a fresh study on contaminated water in the Indus Valley. What arises is a neglected yet resolvable problem of vast magnitude affecting the health of millions of villagers. At this point, high-risk populations should be monitored for early signs of arsenic poisoning — typically skin problems.

The most important action in affected communities is the prevention of further exposure to arsenic by the provision of a safe water supply for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops. There are a number of measures to reduce levels of arsenic in drinking-water. For one, substitute high-arsenic sources, such as groundwater, with low-arsenic, microbiologically safe sources such as rainwater and treated surface water. Low-arsenic water can be used for drinking, cooking and irrigation purposes, whereas high-arsenic water can be used for other purposes. Authorities must work to discriminate between high and low arsenic sources. For example, test water for arsenic levels and paint tube wells or hand pumps different colours. This can be an effective and low-cost means to rapidly reduce exposure to arsenic when accompanied by effective education. If nothing, the regions must install arsenic removal systems and ensure the appropriate disposal of the removed arsenic. We must turn to technology for arsenic removal.

Long-term actions are also required to reduce occupational exposure from industrial processes. Education and community engagement are crucial factors for ensuring successful interventions. But the single biggest barrier to mitigating the risk is the implementation of a plan to provide arsenic-safe water through a variety of methods, including digging deeper wells and filtering surface water.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2017.

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