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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.

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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

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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,

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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

17 | P a g e

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,

18 | P a g e

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

19 | P a g e

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

20 | P a g e

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

21 | P a g e

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

22 | P a g e

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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