An Investigation of Water Hardness in Household Open Wells across Six Districts in Kerala

Author: Feebarani John

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Abstract

Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. It is a critical factor in determining the quality of water, especially for drinking and irrigation purposes. This study assessed the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from household open wells in Kerala, India. Altogether 132 well water samples were collected from six districts. The results showed that the concentrations range of calcium and magnesium were 5-95 mg/l and 0-77.5 mg/l, respectively. In majority of sites, the concentration levels were within the BIS guidelines for drinking water quality. However, magnesium content was above the desirable limit in 4% of the samples at Ernakulam and Palakkad districts and it was 9% with respect to Kannur district. 4% of the well water has calcium content above the desirable limit at Malapuram and Palakkad district. But it was understood that it did not have any adverse effects on the health of people who drank the water. The results of this study suggest that the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from household open wells in Kerala are generally safe, but there is some variation between the wells. Further studies are needed to investigate the health implications of these variations.

Keywords

Water hardness, calcium, magnesium, drinking water, household open wells, Kerala

Conclusion

Calcium and magnesium are two essential minerals that are naturally found in water and their levels in drinking water can have a significant impact on human health outcomes. The present assessed the calcium and magnesium content of 132 household open wells in the state of Kerala, India. The overall levels of calcium and magnesium in the drinking water samples were found to be within the permissible limits set by the BIS. Even though there were some samples that exceeded the BIS limits for calcium and magnesium, it does not have any adverse effect on people who consumed the water. The study recognizes the significance of understanding the mineral composition of drinking water, as imbalances in calcium and magnesium concentrations can have potential health implications. It is known that calcium and magnesium in drinking water may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The findings of the present study contribute to the existing body of knowledge on water quality and offer valuable insights for public health officials, policymakers, and individuals concerned about the safety and health aspects of drinking water sourced from open wells. The development of new technologies like the use of remote sensing will allow more efficient and cost-effective monitoring of water quality. As new technologies emerge, we will be able to better understand the health benefits of these minerals and ensure that our water supplies are safe and healthy. Further research would involve conducting epidemiological studies to assess if there are any correlations between the mineral levels and specific health outcomes. Conducting longitudinal studies over an extended period could provide valuable insights into the changes in calcium and magnesium levels in well water. Future research could explore potential associations between mineral levels and the presence of other harmful substances in the well water. This broader analysis would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the water quality and potential risks associated with drinking water from open wells.

References

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How to cite this article

Feebarani John (2023). An Investigation of Water Hardness in Household Open Wells across Six Districts in Kerala. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 815-821.