GUWAHATI, March 19 � For flood prone States like Assam, preserving the quality of drinking water is a major cause of concern during the high floods as most of the sources go under water and sometimes even washed away.
In view of the perennial flood problem in Assam, the National Institute of Hydrology, Centre for Flood Management Studies has come up with a slew of suggestions to maintain the supply of water as well as its quality during floods that will prevent the outbreak of epidemics. The fury of the floods in the State resulting in the disappearance of the age-old traditional potable water sources and sometimes the dangerous contamination of the water sources, has prompted the institute to study the issue of water quality preservation during the floods.
Senior scientist with the institute, Dr CK Jain while talking to The Assam Tribune said that three main aspects of water quality, physical, chemical and microbiological have to be considered during the floods. �Physical quality like colour, taste, smell, etc., is not generally an indication of potential health hazard, and purification is suggested in emergency situations like flood,� said Dr Jain adding that the chemical quality of water described in terms of potentially toxic substances might create a health hazard and so it is necessary to carefully select the source of water during floods.
�To test the microbiological quality of water, good laboratory facility is required, which is almost impossible during emergency flood conditions. However, microbiological acceptable-non acceptable quick test is available and this should be used,� suggested Dr Jain.
The institute has further suggested proper caring of water supply system that is inclusive of distribution of water and its sources like river sources, reservoir/lake source, under ground reservoirs, ponds, hand tube wells etc to prevent contamination and safeguard the health of the flood affected public. �In a distribution system, special care is to be taken to prevent exposure of pipelines due to soil erosion,� said Dr Jain.
The institute has prepared a list of guidelines for caring the water supply system during the time of floods with appropriate technology intervention.
