Reflections on Groundwater Quality and Urban-Rural Disparity in Drinking Water Sources in the State of Haryana, India

The objective this study was to (a) provide an overview of groundwater pollution in Haryana, (b) illustrate major drinking water sources in urban and rural areas and (c) disparities therein. Out of 21 districts in Haryana, high fluoride and nitrate levels were detected in groundwater from 13 districts. Occurrences of multiple contaminants in groundwater –mainstay of drinking water- have serious implications towards human health. It is more apparent for rural households who use hand pumps, which rely on shallow groundwater resources, for potable purposes. In contrast, in urban areas treated tap water furnishes the bulk of potable water needs. Moreover, about half the rural households in Haryana still depend on external water sources. Overall, the study calls for a critical reassessment of ‘safe’ drinking water sources as several of these sources draw from groundwater resources which appear highly polluted and/or depleted.