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Executive Summary
{English}
This report is a comparative study of ground water and surface water quality
protection of a developing country India and a developed country Sweden. It covers
the basic water policies, laws, rules, regulations and human right to water provisions
in both the countries. The main aim of this report is to compare water quality
approaches in India and Sweden and find out the best possible practices in
each country and assess the need & feasibility of their application in the other. It
describes the present water laws in both the countries and discusses about the present
scenario of ground water and surface water quality, problems in ground water and
surface water and how to deal with the problems in an efficient and sustainable way.
It includes role of EU Water Framework Directive (EU WFD) in water quality
protection in Sweden. Some interviews with stakeholders who are working in the
water sector in Sweden are also included here. The main focus of this report is to
analyse comparatively the present situation of water quality protection approaches
and make recommendation for improvement of water quality. It focuses on “What
can a developing country like India can learn from a developed country like Sweden
for water quality protection?” and “Which things Sweden can adopt from India for
water quality protection?”
In this study India is found in worse environmental condition than Sweden. Indian
ground water and surface water is more polluted than Swedish surface and ground
water. Sweden is in much better condition than India and this country has more
environmental concern too. In India, the basic reason for deterioration of water
quality is lack of environment friendly attitude among the public, religious activities
in water, corruption, loss of traditional methods of water conservation and protection,
useless and unnecessary westernisation etc. In Sweden the basic cause of water
quality deterioration is eutrophication in lakes, climate change, morphological
changes, presence of metals and connectivity changes due to construction works,
acidification etc.
Sweden is an advanced country having the foresight for environmental concerns.
They are doing research for betterment of water quality. India can learn some
technological advancement and proper implementation of community participation in
order to establish decentralised wastewater treatment plants and beneficial production
and monitoring of energy resources from wastewater. Maintenance of online
database for water is also a good thing to learn from Sweden.
ii | P a g e
Executive Summary {Swedish}
Denna rapport är en jämförande studie av grundvatten- och ytvattenkvalitetsskydd för
ett utvecklingsland Indien och ett utvecklat land Sverige. Den täcker de
grundläggande vattenpolitiken, lagar, regler, förordningar och mänsklig rätt till vatten
i båda länderna. Huvudsyftet med denna rapport är att jämföra vattenkvalitetsmetoder
i Indien och Sverige och ta reda på bästa möjliga praxis i varje land och bedöma
behovet och genomförbarheten av deras ansökan i den andra. Det beskriver nuvarande
vattenlagar i båda länderna och diskuterar det nuvarande scenariot för grundvatten och
ytvattenkvalitet, problem i grundvatten och ytvatten och hur man hanterar problemen
på ett effektivt och hållbart sätt. Den innehåller EU: s vattenramverkans roll i
vattenkvalitetsskydd i Sverige. Vissa intressentintervjuer som arbetar inom
vattensektorn i Sverige ingår också här. Huvudfokusen i denna rapport är att analysera
förhållandevis den nuvarande situationen för vattenkvalitetsskyddsåtgärder och göra
rekommendationer för förbättring av vattenkvaliteten. Det fokuserar på "Vad kan ett
utvecklingsland som Indien lära av ett utvecklat land som Sverige för
vattenkvalitetsskydd?" Och "Vilka saker kan Sverige anta från Indien för
vattenkvalitetsskydd?"
I denna studie finns Indien i sämre miljöförhållanden än Sverige. Indiskt grundvatten
och ytvatten är mer förorenat än svenska yt- och grundvatten. Sverige är i mycket
bättre skick än Indien och detta land är också mer miljöhänsyn. I Indien är den
grundläggande orsaken till försämring av vattenkvaliteten brist på miljövänlig
inställning bland allmänheten, religiös verksamhet i vatten, korruption, förlust av
traditionella metoder för vattenskydd och skydd, värdelös och onödig västerbildning
etc. I Sverige är grundorsaken till Försvagning av vattenkvaliteten är eutrofiering i
sjöar, klimatförändringar, morfologiska förändringar, närvaron av metaller och
anslutningsförändringar på grund av byggnadsarbeten, försurning etc.
Sverige är ett förskottland med framsyn för miljöhänsyn. De gör forskning för att
förbättra vattenkvaliteten. Indien kan lära sig några tekniska framsteg och korrekt
genomförande av gemenskapens deltagande för att etablera decentraliserade
avloppsreningsverk och god produktion och övervakning av energiresurser från
avloppsvatten. Underhåll av webbdatabas för vatten är också en bra sak att lära av
från Sverige.
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Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Nandita Singh,
my supervisor and Linnaeus-Palme exchange coordinator from KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden with A.N college, Patna, India. Her
unprecedented effort to make this Linnaeus-Palme exchange funded by Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has made my thesis possible.
I greatly acknowledge my sincere gratitude to her for selecting me for this academic
scholarship which enabled me to study and do my bachelor’s thesis at KTH Royal
Institute of Technology. Her friendly attitude has always been favourable to inspire
me for good work. She always guided and supported me. She taught me a good lesson
on water and life. I think this “thank you” word is very less before her efforts. I am
very thankful to Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to
provide me financial support. I am very grateful to Om Prakash Singh sir who always
told me a lot of stories and facts related to water from India which made me realise
and understand the water quality challenges in India very well. He gave me a right
direction to think and write my thesis well. He played a very important role in
enhancing my understanding about the subject. In fact I started to understand my
subject precisely after meeting him. I am thankful to Dr. Nupur Bose and Dr. Ashok
Ghosh for inspiring me to perform well.
I want to thanks my examiner Ann-Catrine for reviewing and guiding me in the
writing methods. I am also thankful to all the stakeholders I met Amelia Morey
Strömberg and Dr. Håkan Häggström. I am thankful to Prof. Elzbieta Plaza who
explained me the techniques at Hammarby Sjöstadsverket, Stockholm, Sweden. I am
also thankful to one of my Swedish friends Emily Theokritoff for discussing about the
water quality condition of Sweden and checking my Swedish summary.
I am very thankful to my mother who trusted me to send here for studies. This was
impossible without her support. She faced a lot of problems still she supported to send
me abroad was a big thing for me. She always inspires me to work hard and perform
well at every stage of life. She deserves special gratitude.
Shivangi Shreya
May 2017, Stockholm
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Abbreviations
BDL Below Detectable Limit
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
CGWB Central Ground Water Board
CPCB Central Pollution Control Board
EU European Union
GAP Ganga Action Plan
NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development
NCT National Capital Territory
SGU Sveriges geologiska undersökning
SIDA Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency
SPCB State Pollution Control Board
STP Sewage Treatment Plant
SWOT Strengths weaknesses opportunities threats
UN United Nations
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UV Ultra violet
Keywords - Water quality, Ground water, Surface water, EU directive, India, Sweden.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Executive summary (English) i
Executive summary (Swedish) ii
Acknowledgement iii
Abbreviation iv
Table of content v
List of figures
List of tables vii
vii
1. Introduction 1
2. Research questions 1
3. Statement of Relevance 1
4. Methodology 2
5. National water policies, laws, rules and regulations of both the nations
5.1.India
5.1.1. National Water Policy
5.1.2. Human Right to Water in India
5.2.Sweden
5.2.1. Swedish Water Quality Legislations
5.2.2. EU water framework directive
5.2.3. Human Right to Water in Sweden
2
3
4
4
4
5
6
6. Organisations responsible for water quality protection
6.1.In India
6.2.In Sweden
6
6
7. Present Scenario of water quality in India
7.1.Ground water
7.1.1. Ground water quality situation in India
7.1.1.1.Case study of ground water of Bihar, India
A. Patna district, Bihar
B. Munger district, Bihar
7.2.Surface water
7.2.1. Surface water quality condition in India
7.2.1.1.Case Study of Surface water in India
A. The Ganges
B. The Yamuna
7
7
8
8
10
11
11
11
11
13
8. Water quality issues in India: Problems and Prospects
8.1. Identified causes of water quality deterioration in India
8.2. Traditional approaches used in India for water quality protection
15
15
9. Present scenario of water quality in Sweden
9.1.Ground water
9.1.1. Ground water quality situation in Sweden
9.1.1.1.Case study of ground water in Norrtäljle kommun
9.2.Surface water
9.2.1. Surface water quality condition in Sweden
9.2.1.1.Case study of surface water in Northern Baltic Water district
16
16
17
19
19
20
10. Water quality issues in Sweden: Problems and Prospects
10.1. Identified causes of water quality deterioration in Sweden
23
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10.2. Approaches used in Sweden for water quality protection 23
11. SWOT and cross SWOT Analysis 25
12. Discussion 27
13. Conclusion 28
14. Recommendation 28
References
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List of Figures
1. Ground Water quality condition in Patna 9
2. Flood in Munger 10
3. Ganga pollution in Patna 12
4. Varanasi Ganga Ghat Religious ethics pollution 13
5. Delhi’s Yamuna converting into Drain 14
6. Operation manager of water development Centre, Norrtälje 17
7. Environmental Analyst of County Administrative Board, Stockholm 21
List of Tables
1. CPCP Surface water quality report 11
2. SWOT Analysis 25
3. Cross related SWOT Analysis 26
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1. Introduction
Water is the most basic need of life. We can never imagine this world without water.
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological and radiological characteristics
of water. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which
compliance can be assessed. Physical characteristics of water quality parameters include
turbidity, colour, taste, odour as well as temperature. Chemical characteristics of water as
quality parameters include total dissolved solids (TDS), Alkalinity, Hardness, Chlorides
and Heavy metals. Biological characteristics of water as quality parameters include mainly
pathogens i.e. species of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and others. Water Quality Protection is
becoming an area of concern day by day due to increase in water pollution.
India is a developing country having a lot of water quality problems which need to be
tackled as soon as possible. Sweden is developed country, one of the greenest countries of
the world. It is anenvironmental friendly country having perhaps the least water quality
issues. This comparative study of a developed and developing country will provide a best
platform to learn about the ideas of each other and implement it for further development.
The best techniques to protect water quality can be learnt by exchanging ideas.
2. Research Questions
What is the present water quality scenario of India and Sweden?
What are the water policies of India and Sweden?
What are the major water quality challenges of India and Sweden?
What are the intervening methods adopted by both the countries to tackle these
challenges?
Can we adopt methods used in one country in another country?
If yes, what can we adopt?
How can we improve one country by learning from other country?
3. Statement of Relevance-
A study of the water quality protection approaches of India and Sweden is important
because this can help in evolution of new ideas for sustainable development of water
sector. As in Sweden the dominant approach is water quality protection. It can help in
learning some new water quality protection approaches from Sweden to improve water
quality condition of India. Study of water quality protection is important because different
kind of human and natural activities are deteriorating quality of water. Poor water quality
has traumatic health impacts. It affects both biotic and abiotic components of our
environment.
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This study can benefit both the countries by giving a learning opportunity of different
techniques and methods used by two different culture of world. It can make a developing
country India to grow in pace. This study can work out as a stepping stone in sustainable
water quality techniques for India. It can give a platform to exchange of sustainable ideas
between India and Sweden for better development.
4. Methodology
4.1 Literature survey-
It includes reading, understanding and collection of information present on different
online platforms like articles, journals, E-books, E-newspaper, dissertation, websites
etc. It also includes collection of information from offline books, newspapers,
magazines etc. This provided a better background to the report and showed the
direction to proceed further. I surfed many sites like Central Pollution Control
Board, State Pollution Control Board, Central Ground Water Board, Vatteninfo.com
and many more sites, journals, articles, E-newspapers to gather information about
water policies, rules and regulations in both the countries, present scenario of ground
water and surface water, methods used in water quality protection and other relevant
information.
4.2 Stakeholders Interviews-
Interviews were held with Amelia Morey Strömberg, Operations Manager of Water
Development Center, Norrtälje and Håkan Häggström, Environmental Analyst,
County Administrative Board in Stockholm. A guided visit was also made to
Hammarby Sjöstadsverket, Stockholm with Elzbieta Plaza to know more about
wastewater treatment in Sweden. Several questions related to water quality and it
protection were asked.
4.3. SWOT and Cross SWOT Analysis- SWOT stands for strength, weakness,
opportunity and threat. It is a strategic management planning tool often used to
analyse the participatory planning approaches. By using cross SWOT analysis we
analyse how can the strength of water quality protection take advantage of
opportunities, minimise the threats or challenges, what actions can we take to
minimise the weaknesses using opportunities and how weaknesses can be
minimised to avoid the threats.
5. National water policies, laws, rules and regulations of both nations
Why we need national water policies, laws, rules and regulations?
Water is a primary natural resource, a precious natural asset, a basic human need,
right and base of existence of life on earth. Planning and development of water
resources need to be governed by national perspectives as it’s a basic natural asset of
nation. Water is scarce and precious national resource need to be planned, developed
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and conserved on an integrated and environmentally sound basis, keeping this in
view countries frame water policies and laws. Both surface water and ground water
should be regularly monitored for quality. A phased programme should be
undertaken for improvements in water quality. So we need national policies for-
Ensuring availability of drinking water
Ground and surface water development
Water allocation
Conservation of water
Flood and drought management
Development of Irrigation system
Water quality monitoring
Sustainable development of infrastructure etc.
5.1. India:
5.1.1. National Water Policy- It is formulated by the Ministry of Water Resources of
the Government of India to govern the planning and development of water resources
and their optimum utilization. The first National Water Policy was adopted in
September, 1987. It was reviewed and updated in 2002 and later in 2012. The main
provisions of the National Water Policy with regard to water quality and its protection
are as follows:
Both surface and ground water quality should be monitored regularly.
Phased programme can be organised for improvements in water quality.
Recycling and re-use of water should be done for water resource development.
In case of a new project, study of the impact of the project’s construction on humans,
settlement, occupations should be a mandatory part of project planning.
Preservation of quality of environment and ecological balance should be priority of
planning, implementation and operation of projects.
There should be a periodical reassessment on a scientific basis of the ground water
potential, taking into consideration the quality of the water available and economic
viability.
Exploitation of ground water resources should be checked and regulated properly.
Integrated and coordinated development of surface water and ground water
Conjunctive use should be envisaged right from the project planning stage and should
form an essential part of the project.
In addition, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted
in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for
the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country. The
Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Cess Act was enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and collection of a cess
on water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of
industrial activities. This cess is collected with a view to augment the
resources of the Central Board and the State Boards for the prevention and
control of water pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control
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of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Act was last amended in 2003.(The water
(Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, (1974)
Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules were first adopted in
1989, to be later amended and revised several times. The latest rules have been
adopted in 2016. These sets of rule relate to those forms of hazardous wastes
that impact upon water quality but are not covered under the above act.
Environment (Protection Act) of 1986- This act clearly extends to water quality
and the control of water pollution. It authorizes the Central Government to
establish standards for the quality water and for emission or discharge of
pollutants from any source.
5.1.2. Human Right to Water in India
According to Article 21 in Indian constitution every human being has right to life.
This right has a wider meaning which includes right to live with human dignity, right
to livelihood, right to health, right to pollution free environment etc. Right to life is
fundamental to our existence without which we cannot live as human being and
includes all those aspects of life, which go to make a man’s life meaningful,
complete, and worth living. Water is a basic human need. So everyone should have
access to clean drinking water. It’s a basic human right.
5.2. Sweden
5.2.1. Swedish Water Quality Legislations-
These are the general rules under Swedish Environmental Code which are
applicable for water quality as well-
Any company is not allowed to generate any harmful effect on water quality in
Sweden.
The Rule of Knowledge- Every Company should have enough knowledge to
run their business in environment friendly way i.e. without affecting water
quality.
The Precautionary rule- They should be concerned about the future impact on
water quality by their activity too.
BAT- Everyone should choose best available technology for water quality
protection, waste water management.
The localisation principle- The localisation which causes lowest impact on the
environment should be adopted.
The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP)- It means you have to pay if you pollute
water in any way.
The principle regarding resource management- Use water resources in most
efficient way. Save water and try to produce less waste water as far as
possible.
The product choice principle- You must choose environment friendly products
i.e. which do not results to pollute water and affect water quality.
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Among 16 Swedish Environmental quality objectives four objectives are related to
water quality –
1. A non-Toxic Environment- It states that the environment should be free from
toxic metal contaminations.
2. Zero Eutrophication- Nutrient level (phosphorous and nitrogen) must be low in
water.
3. A Good Built Environment-Cities, towns and other built up areas must provide
healthy water quality. Buildings and amenities must be designed and located to
promote sustainable water quality.
4. Natural Acidification only- The acidic effects of land use and deposition must
not exceed the limits tolerated by water
5.2.2. EU Water Framework Directive (EU WFD)
EU was set up in 1973 to protect, preserve and enhance Europe's environment for
present and future generations. This Commission proposes policies and legislation
that protect water quality, ensure proper waste disposal, enhance knowledge about
toxic chemicals, and ensures sustainable economy. The introduction of the EU water
framework directive into Swedish legislation in 2004 ensures a new holistic approach
to water issues, and a water authority was created to synchronize the work on
protecting, preserving and improving the quality of water in conformity with the
directives. Sweden is divided into five water districts (Bothnian bay, Bothnian sea ,
Northern Baltic sea water, Southern Baltic Sea water and Skagerrak & Kattegat) with
one county administrative board appointed as a water authority for the district. In
Sweden, river basin management includes lakes, rivers, coastal and ground water. The
emphasis on hazardous substances has also highlighted the fact that fish from most
lakes in Sweden have levels of mercury in excess of EU limits (Åkerblom et al.
2014).
The main purpose of the objectives of EU Water Framework Directive are-
o To reduce ground water pollution
o Mitigate the effects of floods and droughts
o To protect available water resources and promote sustainable water use
o To prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems
o To achieve better water status
o To put right water price tag
o To introduce water efficient technologies and practices
o To support water saving culture in Europe
o Combined approach for the control of pollution – In general pollution is controlled
by putting limits on emission of pollutants. But then the question arises that to
control water quality where should we put limits? At discharge of point source or
at discharge of diffuse source? The combined approach of this directive not only
suggests for emission control at the source of pollution based on best available
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techniques or the relevant emission limit value but also suggests setting targets for
quality to be achieved in water bodies.
5.2.3. Human Right to water in Sweden
There are many organisations who work for human rights in Sweden at national as
well as international level like- Swedish government, European Union, council of
Europe and United Nations. Article 25 of the UN universal declaration of states that
everyone has right to standard of living for health and well-being of their family and
themselves .The right to an adequate standard of living ensures food, clothing,
housing, health care and basic social benefits. Right to life also ensures basic human
need for life, liberty and security of a person. Water is basic living requirement. So
access to good quality of water is also a basic human right in Sweden and is
generally a basic obligation of the municipalities..
6. Organisations responsible for water quality protection
6.1. In India
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation- It is the
apex government body responsible for planning and development of the country’s
water resources. It is responsible for maintaining the quality and efficient use of water
resources.
Central Pollution Control Board (C.P.C.B) – It is directly responsible for water
quality management in the country at the national level. It has responsibilities to
conduct monitoring of water quality and maintains water quality monitoring data. It
gives advice to central government on any matter regarding prevention and control of
water pollution.
State Pollution Control Board (S.P.C.B) – They are supporting hand for C.P.C.B.
They implement various acts to protect water quality at the state level.
Central Ground Water Board (C.G.W.B) – It looks after sustainable development and
management of ground water. Based on principles of ecological and economic equity
and efficiency, it takes care of exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation,
protection from pollution and distribution.
6.2. In Sweden
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency- It is a public agency which carries
out assignments on behalf of Swedish government relating to the environment in
Sweden, the EU and internationally. They protect, maintain, clean up and remediate
the polluted areas using government funding.
The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket)-It is responsible
for municipal and country planning, management and planning of water resource at
housing level. It is central government authority.
The Environmental Objectives Council- It provides a platform to the heads of
government agencies that are important for achieving the environmental objectives.
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Municipalities and county administrative boards- County administrative boards
provide important links between parliament, government, people, municipalities and
central authorities. They are responsible for environmental monitoring, climate and
energy issues and water management. They supervise the environmental impact.
Municipalities ensure compliance with legislation in the environmental area,
particularly with regard to water supply, wastewater treatment, waste management,
food safety, inspection and monitoring.
The National Food Administration- They deal with all kinds of food items and
drinking water. They take care of permissible pesticides level.
The Geological Survey of Sweden- They ensures good ground water quality involving
reduced use of natural gravels.
Swedish Board of Agriculture - It ensures development of skills and implementation
measures. It sets measures to reduce adverse impact from land dewatering to improve
ecological status. It provides guidance on the application of the rules for self-control
in animal husbandry, agricultural and gardening activities.
7. Present Scenario of water quality in India
7.1. Ground water
Ground water is the water stored in the spaces and cracks of soil, rocks and sand
beneath the surface of earth. There is an underground layer of water made of
permeable rocks, rock fractures, gravel, sand or silt from which we can extract ground
water using water well, it is called Aquifer. Groundwater is widely used for domestic
and productive purposes like drinking, industries and irrigation purposes.
7.1.1 Ground water quality situation in India
The natural chemical content of ground water in India is influenced by depth of the
soils and sub-surface geological formations through which ground water remains in
contact. Generally for greater part of the country, ground water is of good quality and
suitable for drinking, agricultural or industrial purposes. Ground water in shallow
aquifers is generally suitable for use for different purposes and is mainly of Calcium
Bicarbonate and mixed type. However, other types of water are also available
including Sodium-Chloride water. The quality in deeper aquifers also varies from
place to place and is generally found suitable for common uses. There is salinity
problem in the coastal areas and high incidence of fluoride, Arsenic, Iron & heavy
metals etc. in isolated areas have been reported.
The main ground water quality problems in India are as follows-
Salinity
Inland Salinity
Coastal Salinity
Fluoride
Arsenic
Iron
8 | P a g e
Nitrate
According to one study, 65 per cent of India’s villages are exposed to fluoride risk.
High levels of salinity are testified from 14 states except West Bengal and also the
NCT of Delhi, and distresses 73 districts and three blocks of Delhi. Iron content above
permissible level of 0.3 ppm is found in 23 districts from 4 states- Bihar, Rajasthan,
Tripura and West Bengal and coastal Orissa and some parts of Agartala.(Dinesh
Kumar and Shah,2006).
Seven states- West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh in the flood plain of the
Ganga River; Assam and Manipur in the flood plain of the Brahamaputra and Imphal
rivers and Rajnandgaon village in Chhattisgarh state have been reported affected by
Arsenic contamination in groundwater above the permissible limit of 10 µ g/L. People
living in these states have been exposed to drinking Arsenic contaminated hand tube-
wells water. The number of Arsenic affected villages and people suffering from
Arsenic related diseases is continuously increasing, and the issues are getting more
complicated (Ghosh & Singh, 2010).
Nitrate is one of the most common groundwater contaminants in rural areas and is
reported from several areas in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other parts of India. The main nitrate
affected areas in Bihar districts are Aurangabad, Banka, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur,
Kaimur(Bhabua), Patna, Rohtas, Saran and Siwan.(Khandare, 2013).
7.1.1.1. Case study of ground water of Bihar, India
A. Patna district, Bihar
Patna is the largest and most populated district of Bihar. This modern district is
situated on the bank of River Ganga. The ground water of Patna is facing several
water quality problems. Presence of Arsenic in ground water is one of severe problem
of this area. Arsenic contaminated ground water consumed by human beings, poses
the greatest threat to public health.
In Patna district,, presence of arsenic above 10 ppb.is found in Mokama, Sampatchak,
Patna, Fatuha and Phulwari. The general areal extent of this contamination is in close
proximity to the right bank of river Ganga, except in Sampatchak, having lower
arsenic concentrations of 50 ppb. And less is spread over the entire block. In Maner
block of the district, the largest numbers of contaminated hand pumps are identified.
Except Bihta, Naubatpur, Ghoswari and Daniawan , all the blocks have contamination
levels of above 10 ppb (Ghosh, et al , 2007).
Long-term oral exposure via drinking water can cause skin, lungs, urinary bladder,
and kidneys cancer. Changing skin pigments and hyperkeratosis is indicator of long
term arsenic poisoning.
Water quality protection is a matter of great concern in this city as I have personal
experience of living in this city since 6 years. Ground water is extracted for drinking,
9 | P a g e
washing, bathing, cleaning, gardening and many more household works still a water
purifier is needed everywhere in this city to drink clean drinking water because the
quality of ground water is not fit for drinking.
The main reason behind deterioration of ground water quality is over pumping of
ground water. This city is over-crowded. Government do not have sustainable and
equitable system to ensure availability of pure drinking water to everyone.
Date- 01.08.16
Time- 13:40 IST, Place-Phulwari, Patna
Figure no. 1: Ground Water quality condition in Patna
Figure no. 1 shows a place in Phulwari, Patna. If where the source of drinking water
(hand pump) by which people extract ground water is just few steps apart from the big
drainage where people throw all kind of garbage. The latter can adversely affect the
water quality of that hand-pump.
There is huge lack of system and public awareness too in this city. Public blames the
government and the government blames public and this process continues. No one
takes the right step. In a field-based study conducted in 2016, discussions were held
with the local people living there and it was found that there is lack of awareness in
public and the government too. Sometimes the corruption in the system interrupts the
improvement and sometimes population becomes a major challenge before the
government. Due to over-population, groundwater is extracted extensively to meet the
living demand and over-extraction of ground water results in pumping of heavy
metals like Arsenic from earth’s crust along with ground water. Population also
interrupts the plantation covered area which results into ecological disturbances,
climate change, water cycle disturbances and hence contribute to water quality
challenges.
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B. Munger district, Bihar
Place- Chandika Sthaan Date-08.09.13, IST-14:32
Figure no. 2: Flood in Munger
Munger is one of the historic towns of Bihar located in southern part of Bihar. River
Ganga passes through this town. The Kharagpur Hill is a prominent landscape as a
distinct watershed. The ground water of Munger is affected by fluoride.
Ground water has been explored by CGWB in fluoride affected areas of Munger
district which indicates that all the potential fractures down to a depth of 100 m is
contaminated by fluoride. The weathered zone tapped by the dug wells within 5-15 m
depths is also affected by fluoride contamination.” (CGWB, 2013)
There is a very good story about this district related to water. The story is focused on
water scarcity in this region but the solution found by a great lady contributed to
improve water quality of that region as well.1 . There is a water lady named Jaya Devi
who has been working for more than a decade to bring water in the region of
Dharhara kol in Munger district. This region was water stressed region. It receives a
rainfall of the order 700-800mm per year but due to hilly undulating topography, the
run off goes downstream. Drinking water was a challenge for this area. This lady
came up with a idea of watershed management for the area despite of many
adversities she faced. She came in contact with an experienced watershed
development professional Kishore Jaiswal. He guided and supported her to initiate
watershed activities along with her community members with financial support from
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Watershed management is a very good way of water conservation. It not only ensures
quantity of water but also enhances quality of water. Watershed management
enhances ground water recharge which results in lowering the contamination of
metals like- fluoride and Arsenic in ground water. As arsenic and fluoride is
becoming an alarming problem day by day for us.
7.2. Surface Water
1 Source: www.milleniumwaterstory.org
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Surface water is the water present on the surface of earth in the form of river, lakes,
ponds, streams, creeks, reservoirs, wetlands, oceans etc. India is a monsoonal country
which receives good rainfall but it varies according to the topography of the region.
India has ample amount of surface water but the worst thing is that they are polluted
at its extreme level.
7.2.1. Surface water quality condition in India
Surface water (Rivers, Lakes, Ponds, Oceans) quality are at danger level in India due
to many anthropogenic activities like discharging of untreated sewage, dumping waste
into water bodies, oil spills, dumping dead bodies into water or dumping ashes of
dead bodies on the name of holy work, using different kind of chemical soaps,
detergents, washing powder to clean clothes and take bath directly into River etc.
There is lack of systematic treatment of waste and waste water and if there is system
then it do not have enough capacity to take care of the mass. There is lack of proper
town planning which leads to ground and surface water pollution. The two most
important rivers Ganga and Yamuna are starving for clean water today.
Table 1- CPCB Surface water quality report table, 2002
River
Name
Lengt
h
(Km)
No. of
Monitorin
g
locations
Temperatu
re (°C)
pH DO
(mg/l
)
BOD
(mg/l
)
COD
(mg/l
)
Total
Coliform
(MPN/100m
l)
Ganga 2525 34 3.34 6.4
-
9.0
2.7-
11.5
0.5-
16.8
1-30 300-25x105
Yamun
a
1376 23 3.34 6.7
-
9.8
0.1-
22.7
1.0-
36
1-
112
27-26.3x106
Source: CPCB, 2002
7.2.1.1. Case study of surface water of India
A. The Ganges- Most sacred river to Hindus in India
This river is third largest river in the world by discharge and second most
polluted river in the world (Listdose.co). It originates from Gangotri glacier in
the western Himalayas, flows through Gangetic planes of North India, enters
Bangladesh and merges into Bay of Bengal. In India it flows through the cities
like Rishikesh, Haridwaar, Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Jajmau, Allahabad,
Mirzapur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Buxar, Ballia, Hajipur, Patna, Munger,
Raebareli and Bhagalpur.
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“Approximately 1 billion litres of raw, untreated sewage are dumped in the
river on a daily basis. The amount has more than doubled in the last 20 years
and experts predict another 100% increase in the following 20 years.”2
According to Hindu mythology Ganga is the most sacred river and its water is
being polluted in the name of washing sins, dumping human dead bodies,
religious wastes, idols, industrial wastes, Plastics, garbage into the River and
many more drastic human activities.
Source-http://alexis.org.in
Figure no. 3: Ganga pollution in Patna
This is the scenario of Ganga River in the growing city Patna. The main causes
of this drastic situation are human waste, industrial waste and frequent
religious events. Patna has not well maintained sewage system. The sewage
system is not able to meet the needs of the population of the city. All the
domestic sewage and industrial sewage are directly dumped into Ganga.
During festive season millions of people take bath in this holy river to clean
themselves from their past sins. People put the religious wastes like left over
food prepared for god, clothes worn by idols, un-burnt incense sticks and
many more organic wastes into Ganga. They submerge all the chemical
painted idols of God along with the accessories into the River. Government
and some people both are trying to save Ganga since so long. In 1986, the
Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched to clean the Ganga River. Later on
government took help from all the Indian Institute of Technologies in effort to
clean up Ganga .After this Adopt a “Ghat” program brought the schools and
other local institutions together to save the world famous historical Ghats at
the Ganga’s bank to maintain their cleanliness schemes with support from
SIDA. In the year 2004, "Clean Ganga - Clean Ghat" was a collaborative
exhibition project implemented with support of British High Commission,
New Delhi, under the SIDA project "Clean Ganga Conclave" at Tulsi ghat,
under the Clean Ganga Day organized at New Delhi. According to a freshly
announced intervention, the government has awarded contract worth
16,170,000 USD for sewage treatment infrastructure projects in Patna to keep
2 Source: http://www.all-about-india.com/Ganges-River-Pollution.html
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the Ganga River clean. These projects would come up under the Namami
Gange programme.. The amount would be spent for setting up two Sewage
Treatment Plants (STPs), renovation of one existing STP, construction of two
pumping stations and laying of new underground sewage network of about 400
km (The Women News,2017)3.
Figure no. 4: Varanasi Ganga Ghat Religious ethics pollution
Namami Gange approaches Ganga Rejuvenation by consolidating the existing
on-going efforts and planning for a concrete action plan for future. The
interventions at Ghats and River fronts will facilitate better citizen connect and
set the tone for river centric urban planning process. Despite of all these
efforts the River is still suffering from severe pollution. Somewhere corruption
and politics ends up gulping all the resources provided for cleaning water. The
water quality of Ganga is at very critical stage. Public needs to get aware and
work towards achieving the goal of clean Ganga. We need to do integrated
work for rejuvenation of the holistic river. We need to look for affordable and
reliable technique to solve this problem and for sustainable development of
surface water. Instead of wasting money abruptly in the name of cleaning
river, government should take serious step to stop pollution of river. There
should be equitable Sewage treatment plants, strict monitoring on industrial
waste disposals and rules violation. Instead of cleaning River, make the waste
water sustainable which goes into the river and pollute it.
B.Yamuna- A River having one foot in the Grave
Yamuna is the longest and the second largest tributary river of the Ganges in
northern India. It originates from Yamunotri Glacier. It crosses several states,
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, passing by
Uttarakhand and later Delhi, and meets its tributaries on the way.
3The women news March 1, 2017 http://www.thewomennews.com/news/rs- 1050-cr- projects-stop- sewage-pollution-ganga-patna)
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{Source-http://media2.intoday.in}
Figure number 5- Delhi’s Yamuna converting into Drain
Yamuna River passing through 22 km in Delhi was once described as the
lifeline of the city, but today it has become one of the dirtiest rivers in the
country. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the water
quality of Yamuna River falls under the category “E” which makes it fit only
for recreation and industrial cooling and completely rules out the possibility
for underwater life.
According to CPCB the Yamuna water quality at Okhla and Nizamudin
bridges is the worst affected. Yamuna has been placed seventh on the list of
rivers with highest Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), one of the most
important indicators of pollution. The total biochemical oxygen demand
content in the Yamuna was 93 mg/L, while the permissible level is 3 mg/L. A
CPCB report of 2007 found that the level of Dissolved Oxygen throughout the
year in Yamuna was less than 4 mg/L and it was 0.0 mg/L at few locations
down-stream of urban settlements due to discharge of untreated and partially
treated wastewater. (Mishra, 2010)
Just like Ganga, government has wasted a lot of money on Yamuna in the
name of cleaning the river different political parties adopted different kind of
ways like Yamuna Aarti for making people aware about Yamuna’s importance
but this does not make any difference. They make people aware about
importance of river and at the same time put the religious wastes of Aarti into
the River.
If we seriously want any change we need to change the perception of public. If
each and every one will start to share the responsibility and behave like a
responsible citizen the country will face reduction in problem. Water is
everybody’s business. We need to sensitize each and every community in a
real sense.
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8. Water quality issues in India: Problems and Prospects
8.1 Identified causes of water quality deterioration in India
Inadequate wastewater treatment facilities in the cities & towns – According to the
Census of 2011, India has 7935 cities and towns but only 920 STPs for the treatment
of their municipal sewage. According to the CPCB, the estimated sewage generation
in the country in 2015 was 61,948 MLD against available treatment capacity of only
23,277 MLD, which means that as much as 2/3rd of the country’s sewage is drained
into surface water bodies without any treatment.
No segregation of wastewater- In India all kinds of wastewater are dumped together
no matter the source is agricultural, domestic or industrial. This creates a serious
problem for wastewater treatment and results in bad water quality.
Several Human activities- Many human activities like dumping human bodies into the
river, bathing , washing clothes and dishes using different kinds of chemical soaps
and detergents, dumping religious wastes into the river.
Lack of proper monitoring over the industries- Government lacks proper monitoring
on the industrial works. Industries just see their own profit and do not care about the
environment. They don’t follow the water rules and regulations. Government should
take strict action against the polluting industries.
Corruption-In India there is law, policy, rules and regulations to ensure good water
quality and even the government is spending a lot of money to clean water bodies but
corruption eats the whole effort at every stage and results in failure of each and every
good approach.
Construction of large number of dams- Construction of large number of dams stops
the natural flow of rivers which decreases the amount of water and results in increase
of pollutants concentration in the surface water.
Overpopulation and lack of civic sense- Growing population is a major threat for
every environmental problem. Lack of civic sense in the population causes a huge
destruction to environment. Pollution of water cannot be controlled without public
participation. People should care about the natural resource protection.
8.2 Traditional approaches used in India for water quality protection
Rain water harvesting- It is a technique of collection and storage of rainwater into
reservoirs and tanks or infiltration of surface water into subsurface aquifers. By
using rooftop rainwater harvesting people can get high quality drinking water.
Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to make rain water harvesting mandatory.
This method is usually adopted for water conservation but indirectly it enhances
water quality also by ground water recharge.
Watershed management- Watershed carries water from upstream to downstream
in a channelized way. Water is sustainably distributed using this technique. This
method solves the problem of water scarcity and recharges the ground water as
well which results into enhancement of water quality.
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Vermifilteration- It is low cost aerobic wastewater treatment process. It involves
primary, secondary and tertiary treatment of black and grey water using
earthworms. In vermifilter toilets solid material is retained, dehydrated and
digested by earthworms and converted into humus in primary stage. The liquid
part goes through filtration media which is attached to microorganisms. Then in
secondary treatment retention of organic compounds takes place and increases
dissolved oxygen demand.
Ahar- pyne system- It is an indigenous method of irrigation in Bihar. Ahar is
outlet made at different heights in the embankment. Pynes are artificial channels
for utilizing the river water in irrigation fields. It ensures equity in water
distribution. It improves the irrigation quality and recharges ground water. But
due to poor maintenance by government and community efforts, introduction of
bore wells fitted with diesel or electric pump caused a matter of concern.
Construction of temple ponds or tanks- Construction of temple ponds and tanks
result in ground water recharge which improves the water quality as well.
Pebbles, charcoal and sand filtration- Pebbles, charcoal and sand are used to
purify water as these things are porous and collect the debris that passes through
it.
9. Present Scenario of Water Quality in Sweden
9.1. Ground water
The proportion of groundwater in drinking water supplies in Sweden in 1988 was
49% (UNEP, 1989). Sweden is an old consolidated crystalline and metamorphic
rock area. Gneiss, granite, sandstone and marble rocks are common here. It is rich of
ground water, mineral resources and rocks. Till is the most common type of soil
found here in about 75% landscape.
9.1.1. Ground water quality situation in Sweden-
Good ground water quality is one of the 16 Environmental quality objectives that
Swedish parliament has implemented in the country. Groundwater bodies are
serving more than 50 persons or from which 10 cubic meter of water is abstracted
per day (SGU, 2017). The main ground water quality problems in Sweden are
presence of metals like uranium, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, lead, iron, magnesium,
sulphur, acidification, lower pH, Waste under the ground. Sewage contamination
and landfill leaching cause microbial pollution. Radon and fluoride are also found in
aquifers here. Nitrogenous fertilisers and infiltration of effluent also affects ground
water quality. Nitrogen, chloride, metals, acidification, presence of pesticides,
changes and deviations in redox affects the ground water action adversely. Ground
water is usually taken from water pipes, springs or wells. Excessive extraction of
groundwater causes water shortage and changes water quality like sulphate or salt
content. “In some municipal drinking water wells in Sweden, measured
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concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found to be several hundred
times higher than the allowed threshold values. This has created a huge public
concern and has recently attracted much media attention in Sweden. Approximately
fifty per cent of Sweden’s drinking water comes from groundwater. If one disregards
the health risks linked to its presence in drinking water, PFAS have an impact on
three of Sweden’s national environmental quality objectives, namely, A Non-Toxic
Environment, Flourishing Lakes and Streams and Good-Quality
Groundwater”(EGU,2015). Chemical transportation through nearby sensitive
aquifers and drinking water supply system is also a hazardous threat for groundwater
pollution. So the main ground water issues in Sweden are-
Metals
Pesticides
Salt- chloride
Nitrogen
Acidification
Redox
Water table
9.1.1.1. Case study of ground water in Norrtäljle kommun
Norrtälje kommun is a municipality of Stockholm county located in east central
Sweden. It is the largest northernmost municipality of Stockholm county having 25
original local government units combined in the present municipality. The European
route E18 connects this region to other parts of Stockholm.
Interview with Amelia Morey Strömberg
Verksamhetsansvarig , Utvecklingscentrum för vatten
Figure no.-6 Operation manager of Water Development Centre, Norrtälje
Role and task of Water Development Centre (UCV)
UCV is a Centre for water knowledge and water development. It sample and
share information about water with society, companies and academics. They have
different projects focus on water in coastal areas, use of water in transition areas,
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environmental, economic and social planning. So they try to share knowledge
with different parts of society for this. They have water and waste water
counselling for the citizens with exhibition on waste water techniques.
Major water quality challenges of Norrtälje kommun
Basically they use surface water here. In numbers well protected areas, it is 50%
surface water and 50% ground water but in majority people are drinking surface
water. They are sensitive to natural disasters. Sea level rise is a major threat here.
It makes the lake water salty. They are very dependent on technique and
electricity because Sweden does not have sedimentary bedrock. They had a case
in which 23000 people got sick because of dangerous Protozoa. The surface water
got contaminated with waste water. They face problems due to climate change
too. This kommun has almost all the kind of water quality challenges like salt
(chloride), infiltration from sea, hardness, arsenic, lead, iron, fluoride, magnesium,
Sulphur, bacteria, nitrogen, Phosphorous etc. The major problem in Norrtälje
kommun arises because people have summer cottages here. They do not pay tax
here. They just come to live here in vacations. So the population variation causes
variation in water usage too.
Major techniques they use here for water quality protection
For the sources Norrtälje kommun has regulations for protection like one cannot
start petroleum industry in water protection area. For surface water they use
chemical steps like coagulation, biological steps, different steps of filtration, UV
light technique, chlorination, active carbon, sand filtration. They usually use these
typical methods. These are cost-efficient. They do not have expensive water in
Sweden. Tap water is safe for drinking here. Food administration has 75
parameters and water association has to show that water is good at the tap not only
in the water works.
Technical feasibility and affordability of these measures in a developing country like
India
The slow and fast sand filters would be good idea to export from here and it is
cheaper too. India is one of the richest countries in the world. Good water culture
is not so expensive. We have good idea of water framework directive from EU
and India also has environmental rules but they do not follow it. One of the
biggest problems is the difference of rich and poor. The developed countries go to
developing countries and pollute their environment on the name of development.
There is lack of information in the public. We do inform here public about the
usage of waste water treatment plants. We also talk about how they have to
protect wells. We give lessons to protect water.
Techniques from Sweden that can be used in India-
All the techniques are possible to use but the key point should be to make
regulations and make people follow it. We have tradition of water associations.
One of the best things to share is that people together in the neighbour can do
much more than the municipalities sometimes. They can do it because they are
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sharing that water for their need. We can show how to organize these kinds of
water associations. The other one is the technology of water works. If you have
contaminated water, you need money to clean it. So it is better to stop
contaminating. Apply cheap technologies to every industry to clean waste water
effluent. The most important problem is the corruption in the government.
Government wants to earn money only. The best thing is to be consistent with
water, clean the sources of contamination before it get mixed with surface water.
9.2. Surface Water
According to world data atlas volume of surface water produced internally was
170 billion cubic meters in 2014. Sweden is divided into five water districts and
five county administrative boards are appointed as river district authorities for
implementing the water framework directive in Sweden. The five water districts
are Bothnian Sea, Bothnian Bay, Skagerrak & Kattegat, Northern Baltic Sea and
Southern Baltic Sea.
9.2.1 Surface water quality condition in Sweden
Sweden maintains good environmental status still there are many problems to
solve. Every time they face new issues like the discharge of nutrients that
contaminate the sea water, impairing of mitigation routes of fishes in the rivers
due to power plant dams, acidification etc. Water conditions of five water district
of Sweden are-
1. Bothnian Sea- This district has the largest quantity of industrial waste water
discharge. Most of the major rivers of this district are regulated for hydro-
electric supply. The intensive driving of timber is affecting many smaller streams
resulting into impairment of mitigation routes for the aquatic animals. Methyl
mercury concentration is found here more than the recommended limits in fish.
Here 920,000 people are surviving in about 140,000 kilometre square area
(31%). In percentage 10% of Sweden’s population is surviving
here.(Vattenmydigheterna, 2017)
2. Bothnian Bay- The water quality of this area is comparatively good with low
population loads. We can see significant human impacts in some areas. Mining,
large scale forest activities, sewage discharge affects the water quality here.
490,000 people (5% of Swedish population) is living in 147,000 kilometre
square area (33%).(Vattenmydigheterna, 2017)
3. Skagerrak & Kattegat- This district is suffering from major problems of
acidification, eutrophication, physical changes like building of dams and
canalising rivers & streams. 2.4 million people (27% of Swedish population)
lives in 69,500 kilometre square area (15%).(Vattenmydigheterna, 2017)
4. Northern Baltic Sea- This district is densely populated with 3 million people
which is around 33% of Swedish population in 36,700 kilometre square (8%)
area. It is relatively small area having sensitive water system and low water
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resources. It has many problems like eutrophication, acidification, lowered and
buffered lake systems, physical changes and many more. Water resources are
over exploited on the coastal zone.
5. Southern Baltic Sea- This district is facing most significant problem of
eutrophication combined with quite sensitive and valuable coastal zones.
Industries are the major water users. Farming and household activities results in
major nitrogen discharge. It has 50% of Swedish livestock production. Rising
humus levels in water is becoming alarming day to day here. It has 25% of
Swedish population (2.3 Million) in 54,000 kilometre square area (12%)
(Vattenmydigheterna, 2017)
9.2.1.1 Case study of Northern Baltic water district
Northern Baltic Sea water has seven counties and seventy four municipalities. This
district has 1214 surface water comprising rivers, lakes and coastal water. Lake
Malaren is identified as national interest because of natural values, recreational
purposes, tourist attraction and cultural values. Lake Malaren covers the significant
part of Northern Baltic Sea. The provinces that share Malaren Valley are Stockholm,
Uppsala, Södermanland, Örebro and Västmanland.The water authority of Northern
Baltic Sea water is county administrative board of Västmanland.
The major environmental problems of this district are eutrophication, physical
changes in lakes, acidification and pollution. High level of nutrients or large
amounts of organic matters causes over fertilisation. Eutrophication results in
depletion of biodiversity. The supply of phosphorus to water in the northern Baltic
water district is just over 800 tonnes per year (Vattenmydigheterna, 2017). The
coastal water bodies of the district are affected by phosphorus from surface water.
Large part of Northern Baltic Sea is affected by human activities. To improve
production in agriculture and forestry, enabling construction, creating maritime
management, other infrastructure or energy extract, human beings have changed the
water landscape. In the waters of the North Baltic Sea, 310 water bodies have a
poorer status than their status due to flow changes (Vattenmydigheterna, 2017).
In north Baltic water district metal extraction on large scale arises water quality
problems. They have litters of mining waste and slag in Bergslagen and northern
Uppland. The morphological changes i.e. landscape changes are also producing
negative impact on environment. There are a total of 197 hydroelectric power plants
here. This area is full of industries which affects the water quality adversely directly
by discharge or indirectly by sewage treatment plants. Sewage treatment plants are
not always designed to break all the harmful chemicals present in industrial waste.
To coordinate environmental activities EU has identified and developed the new
LIFE IP program. The Northern Baltic Water District has become the centre of
Sweden's first LIFE IP project (Vattenmydigheterna, 2017). The main purpose of
LIFE IP Rich Waters is to design the efforts to fully implement the Baltic Sea Water
Action Program. It will also contribute to the implementation of the Water
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Framework Directive throughout Sweden. The goal of this project is to reduce the
amount of nutrients and pollutants, improve fishermen's ability to reach their play
areas, as well as streamline and increase the rate of action, so that the action program
can be fully implemented .They fulfil their goal through implementation of concrete
measure, increasing knowledge, and cooperation between partners and finding more
external funding. The project consists of sub-projects within five themes;
Aquaculture, external fertilizer eutrophication (agriculture, water and sewerage, tidal
water), internal fertilizer eutrophication (stored nutrients in lakes and coves),
connectivity (creation of free paths for animal and plant past ponds) and
environmental hazards (Vattenmydigheterna, 2017).
Action program 2016-2021
All the agencies directly or indirectly dealing with water in Sweden are incorporated
in the water action plan for integrated approach. Every agency is assigned their role to
improve water quality at their level. “The Swedish Board of Agriculture will develop
competence development and advisory activities in the framework of the Swedish
Rural Development Program 2014-2021, to reduce the impact of the use of plant
protection products in areas where there is a risk that environmental quality standards
for water cannot be followed due to such impact.” (ÅTGÄRDSPROGRAM, 2016)
Sewage treatment plants are also a source of several priority and special pollutants,
including copper, zinc, phenols and other drugs (IVL 2015). Forestry activities are
affecting 108 water bodies in the northern Baltic water district. Felling, drift, protection
and soil preparation adversely affect the environmental quality standards of water. The
Swedish Transport Agency will develop and provide knowledge and information
regarding the possibility of reducing road and rail impacts on the aquatic environment
to achieve environmental quality standards for water. The best part of this action plan is
the integrated work of all the agencies in Sweden. This is something to learn to integrate
all the fields like transport, agriculture, forest and all the other departments which are
indirectly or directly related to water.
Interview with Håkan Häggström
Environmental analyst
County Administrative Board in Stockholm
Figure number-7 Environmental Analyst of County Administrative Board,
Stockholm
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Role and task of his organisation
The county administrative board is responsible for issues concerning the environment,
nature, the labour market, competence sourcing, the business community, social
development, animal protection, gender equality, integration, infrastructure, housing
and transport. They interlink economic development, sustainable society, social
welfare , environmental concerns. They find sustainable solution by coordinating
tasks. They monitor the laws and regulations in municiplaties and companies. They
ensure the nationwide objective to be achieved by the Stockholm county.
Major water quality challenges of North Baltic water district
The ecological status of surface water bodies of North Baltic water district is not so
good. Eutrophication is the main reason which prevents good ecological status to be
achieved. Eutrophication leads to destruction of biodiversity. All surface water in this
district are not achieving good status when mercury and polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDE) are included in the assessment. Lead and anthracene also contribute in
reducing good chemical status. Many human activities are affecting the aquatic plants
and animals. The water flow is changing time to time. There is a lot of erosion due to
step slopes, muddy water and nutrients flowing out. The erosion kills most of the
aquatic life. Plenty of morphological changes are resulting into destruction of habitats.
The district is densely populated. Regulation for hydro power plant has caused largest
hydrological changes in water system. Connectivity changes are resulting into bad
nutritional status of aquatic organisms. Barrier causes fragmentation of water and
affects the movement of fish and other animals. Dams also influence flow and
morphology. Climate change such as temperature rise and extreme weather events
also affects the water quality.
Approaches used for water quality protection
They have action plan for each water district according to EU water framework
directive. All authorities, municipalities and county administrative board have to work
with these action plans. The water framework directive has been implemented in
Swedish law in 2004. For all the projects, we have to check if the environmental goals
are fulfilled or not. The purpose of LIFE IP Rich Waters is to streamline the efforts to
fully implement the Baltic Sea Water Action Program. It will also contribute to the
implementation of the Water Directive in Sweden. There is list of measures for
environmental protection but we do not force anyone to do so. People do by
themselves and we help them to implement. Corruption is low here. Political view can
somehow affect the decision. There is possibility of interpretation. Sometimes the
court is not so environmental friendly. Usually it works better. They have every data
online. The database is updated annually..
Things that India can learn from Sweden
India can learn maintaining databases from Sweden. Lowering corruption can help in
further development. Population control is also an important aspect to learn.
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10 Water quality issues in Sweden: Problems and Prospects
10.1 Identified causes of water quality deterioration in Sweden
a. Presence of micro pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and other persistent chemicals
in the sewage- Many micro pollutants like pharmaceuticals and other chemicals gets
mixed with the sewage which persists in the sewage even after the treatment. They
need new techniques for the process. In Sweden Xylem and IVL Swedish
Environmental Research Institute is doing research at Hammarby waste water
treatment plant to improve the water quality by removing these pollutants.
b. Seasonal Demographic change- Sweden has harsh climatic conditions. It has about 9.9
million populations and covers 407,000 kilometre square land area (sweden.se, 2016).
Spring, summer, fall and winter have their own unique personality here and seasons
vary a lot here. People migrate to different places seasonally. They like to spend
summer in their summer cottages and winter in any warmer region. This demographic
change affects the water management system of the place.
c. Use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture- In Sweden eutrophication is major
water quality problem. Agricultural runoff is the main contributor of eutrophication in
water bodies. The phosphorous and nitrogen rich compounds present in fertilisers and
pesticides are the primary cause of eutrophication of lakes, rivers and coastal zones.
d. Morphological changes- Morphological changes occurring due to dirt, fillings,
straightening, cleansing, channelling, Landings or sea cuts have very negative
consequences on environment.
e. Connectivity changes- Hydroelectric ponds, dams and other ponds are the biggest
known source of influence regarding connectivity changes. Changing and disturbing
natural water landscape is causing severe environmental threat.
f. Several human activities- Many human activities like mining, extensive agriculture,
forestry, industries, construction activities affects the water quality as well.
g. Climate change- Climate change such as temperature rise and extreme weather events
also affects the water quality. Climate change increases nutrient concentrations,
change water colour and decrease oxygen content, affects mitigation of species and
alteration of habitats.
10.2 Approaches used in Sweden for water quality protection
a. Introduction of technologies to meet new challenges in sewage treatment- In a pilot
research project, conducted by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and
Xylem at Hammarby Sjöstadsverk , Stockholm during 24 month period, many
techniques have been combined with each other in order to achieve the effectiveness
and compliance with international standards for various water qualities. The main
goal of this project was the removal of micro pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and
other persistent chemicals from the sewage including a cost analysis. They use
biological treatment, oxidation by ozone, filtration by anthracite and granular
activated carbon and disinfection by UV. These trials show that the combination of
ozone and filtration is a practical process to remove micro pollutants in an efficient
manner.
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b. Promotion of decentralised waste water treatment system- According to Amelia all the
municipalities of Sweden make people aware about the need to install small
wastewater treatment plant in their house. People are getting aware and working
towards it. This decentralised system of waste water treatment solves a lot of water
quality problems. In fact people are installing small wastewater treatment plant by
forming small communities and sharing expenses.
c. Biogas prognosis and evaluation- The tool was developed by syvab and IVL to
simplify evaluation and prognosis of the mix of substrates in the digestion process at
the biogas producing waste water treatment plant, Himmerfjärdsverket. Data is
imported to Digestion Substrates Explorer through excel files which gives the user an
instant overview of the sludge quality relative to legal limits, methane production and
average historic performance. This tool evaluates quality and production effects of
changes in the substrate mix. It is an effective tool to reduce the effort of data
management and analysis. The user can investigate the metal levels in all external
substrates.
d. Alnarp cleanwater technology (biological treatment works for private sewers)- It
treats the grey water and black water in three steps depending on need. First step is
known as proACT which dissolves all the organic matter then wastewater is passed to
second chamber where the dissolved organic matter is converted into large amount of
microorganisms. Then the sewage is pumped into interACT in which wastewater is
exposed to an even higher amount of microorganisms and natural aquatic plants. The
plants and the microorganisms feed on nutrients of the wastewater and also increase
the biodiversity. In some cases extra step may be required to reduce phosphorous. The
third step reACT has different structure depending on the local conditions but the
basic working criteria is that extra phosphorous is trapped in a filter material and the
exhausted material is returned to the ecological cycle as a fertiliser. This system is
controlled by a microcomputer mounted in a control box which is placed under the
ground in association with interACT. According to Clara Hermansson, this
wastewater treatment plant costs around 75000 Swedish kronor (~550000 INR). It can
serve 12 people and if there are more people, we can connect several interACT in
parallel arrangement.
e. Water Library (A database where you can find reports on water)- Sweden has very
good facility of availability of all database online which makes planning and
implementation of ideas very easy to improve water quality. A Water library is
available on the site www.vatteninfo.com which allows all the municipalities and
public to have order and structure their reports on water and to look upon
municipalities and government reports. This is an open part of the database which
collects public water reports and with premium membership we can read and
download other people’s report too. It helps to learn more about water issues and take
efficient action.
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11 SWOT and cross SWOT Analysis
Table 2: Simple SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
Traditional methods used in India like
rainwater harvesting, watershed
management, Temple ponds etc.
These methods conserve water also
and enhance the water quality by
recharging ground water.
Introduction of new technologies for
wastewater treatment in Sweden.
Decentralised wastewater treatment
plants in Sweden solve a lot of water
quality problems.
Availability of database for water
quality monitoring in Sweden.
Inadequate treatment of wastewater
is a huge problem in India. More
than 2/3rd
of the wastewater is
allowed to flow into surface water
bodies untreated.
No segregation of wastewater in
India results in contaminated treated
wastewater. In Sweden it is also a
matter of concern but large
industries in Sweden treats their
wastewater separately, so it is
comparatively less in Sweden.
Corruption in India is hampering all
the efforts taken by the government
or other bodies. In Sweden
corruption is not a problem.
Lack of civic sense in India is
making the country worse. People
don’t act eco-friendly.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Community participation is a better
way to enhance water quality and
promote social equity.
Conversion of wastewater into energy
resources can enhance the economy
and benefit the environment too.
Investment on research on water
quality protection techniques can
bring out a lot of sustainable
techniques.
Seasonal demographic change in
Sweden and consistent population
growth in India can affect the water
quality and quantity adversely.
Climate change, morphological
changes and connectivity changes
can affect the water quality badly.
Discrimination on the basis of
religion, caste, colour, sex, and
creed is a great threat for access to
clean water for every human being.
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Table 3: Cross related SWOT Analysis
OPPORTUNITIES
(external, +ve)
THREATS
(external, -ve)
STRENGTHS
(internal, +ve)
Decentralised wastewater
treatment plants can be
introduced in India at large scale
with the idea of community
participation to share the
expenses.
Wastewater can be used as raw
material for production of biogas
and new research can bring more
sustainable approach to treat
wastewater.
Growing population should
adopt the traditional methods of
water conservation and
protection to ensure good water
quality for future.
The introduction to new
sustainable technologies should
not contribute to any kind of
morphological, climate or
connectivity change.
WEAKNESSES
(internal, -ve)
Community participation will
make people feel that water is
their own and it will decrease
the chances of corruption in
system and social inequity too.
Conversion of wastewater into
energy resources will generate
a civic sense automatically by
showing economic benefits.
People will even start to
segregate black and grey water
at domestic level if they will
get economic benefits.
To control population, there is
dire need to make people aware
about way of sustainable living
and build proper civic sense.
Discrimination in society for
access to clean water for
everyone violates the human
right of water. By promoting
social equity we can achieve this
and decrease corruption in water
sector.
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12 Discussion
In this study water quality of India and Sweden is analysed and compared. Water policies,
laws, rules and regulations of both the countries have been discussed here. Article 21 of
Indian constitution empowers every Indian to have access to safe water. Water is a human
right in Sweden too. India has a lot of water quality problems like presence of heavy
metals (arsenic, fluoride, Iron and many more), pollution of rivers due and many more
which is arising due to lack of civic sense, loss of traditional methods of water
conservation and protection methods, corruption, religious activities like dumping of idols
and other religious wastes in water bodies, dumping of death bodies into the river etc.
India has all kinds of environmental protection laws and orders but the biggest problem is
people are not following it. People just see their economic benefit and ignore
environmental concern. The main problem here is public attitude. People do not act
environment friendly even after knowing each and every environmental problem and the
solutions.
In Sweden the main problem is the eutrophication of water bodies which is mainly caused
by nitrogen and phosphorous rich substances from agricultural runoff and other means.
Corruption is not at all problem in water quality management system of Sweden. People
living in Sweden are more environmental concern. They act environment friendly by
themselves. In Sweden the main water quality problems are arising due to agricultural
runoff, seasonal demographic changes, morphological changes, flow changes,
connectivity changes and climate changes.
Sweden has better water quality condition than India. India can learn plenty of things
from this developed country. The technique to treat micro pollutants and production of
biogas with proper monitoring system in hammarby wastewater treatment plant is good
thing to be learnt. The Alnarp clean water technology which treats wastewater using
biological method is also a nice thing that we can think to implement in our country along
with community participation to share the expenses. India can learn better management of
community participation system for wastewater and water management from Sweden.
India can take technology and modify it according to the countries need. In India there is
lack of integrated approach in water sector. The municipalities’ are not involved in the
task of water quality Management except running Sewage Treatment Plants. Therefore
the integrated approach of Sweden to achieve water quality standards by different
agencies related to water directly or indirectly such as industries, agriculture, forestry is
something to learn and implement.
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13 Conclusion
This study shows that Sweden has better water quality than India. Sweden has a lot of
technical advancement and approaches to protect and improve water quality of the
country. The best part of Sweden is the government sensitization and the initiatives to
develop an integrated approach. Also, there is greater transparency, lack of corruption &
continuous monitoring. In India, whatever step is taken for improvement of water quality,
it may get negatively affected by corruption and at the end efforts may go into vain. The
way Sweden maintain its online database is something to learn for a developing country
like India.
India lacks awareness and sensitiveness among the public to act eco-friendly and protect
water resources. In Sweden people are more environmental concern and act sustainably.
India can learn effective community participation to run wastewater treatment plant from
Sweden. In India, intermixing of industrial wastewater, domestic wastewater and
agricultural wastewater creates a lot of problems in wastewater treatment plants and at the
end results in contaminated residue which harms the environment again. India is having
worse water quality than Sweden. India needs to work sustainably on this issue as we
know water is life. To sustain life it is mandatory to protect water quality.
14 Recommendations
India can improve its water quality by tight monitoring on industries which are
discharging the wastewater into the water bodies without proper treatment. Stop polluting
the river on the name of religious works. This needs sensitization among the people.
Traditional Indian methods of water quality protection and conservation like rainwater
harvesting should be made mandatory for each and every house. Traditional methods like
watershed management; construction of temple ponds; vermifiltration should be adopted
and promoted across the country. India should also learn to keep all the databases online
for proper monitoring. India can take the technology of treating pharmaceuticals and
other persistent chemicals from Sweden. Alnarp clean water technology is also a good
thing to be learnt and implement. All the agencies related to water directly or indirectly
should approach in integrated way for sustainable development.
Sweden is facing main water quality problems due to eutrophication which is caused by
nitrogen and phosphorous rich agricultural runoff. Use of pesticides and fertilisers should
be minimised. Any kind of new construction like hydro power plant should be designed
in such a way that they should not promote any kind of morphological or connectivity
changes. Sweden is working well to improve environmental conditions. Larger industries
have their own wastewater treatment plants but smaller industrial wastewater gets mixed
with domestic and other wastewater which causes problem in treatment. Smaller
industries should also install their own wastewater treatment plant.
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