Industrialization vs. Water Quality: Impacts on Sanitation and Hygiene in Haridwar District

Background: Water is essential natural resource for sustaining life and environment. However, water quality continues to be a major health concern in both developed and developing countries. Seventy percent of infectious diseases in rural India are water borne, of which nearly fifty percent contribute for diarrhea. Major problems are being faced by the country due to the presence of excess chlorides, fluorides, arsenic and nitrate in groundwater in certain parts of the country. This study examines the factors affecting ground water quality like source of water, quality of water, method of water treatment if any, awareness among residents etc. Methods: To determine the exact situation of the study area water quality as well as occurrence of diseases taking into consideration. A survey was conducted to evaluate the situation of water quality, change in taste or smell of water and number of persons affected in the study area. Results: Results of the study indicate that there is huge industrialization in this area and peoples residing in the vicinity of industries are somehow, suffering from various water borne diseases. Conclusion: The purpose of this study is to define various factors affecting and degrading water quality and to provide recommendations for the development of possible solutions to preserve water quality and targeted educational outreach programs to assist community to overcome from water-related disease.