Water quality and burden of jaundice with drinking water sources: a study from Haryana, India

Background: Both anthropogenic and natural processes contribute to the contamination of freshwater sources. In developing countries like India, contaminated drinking water is a source of many diseases. Among anthropogenic factors, industries are an important contributing factor to water pollution. Hence, it is important to analyse water quality and investigate the prevalence of jaundice with different drinking water sources.Methods: A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in Faridabad. A total of 688 people were randomly selected using convenient sampling, with consumers from all four types of water sources i.e., surface, hand pump, wells, and municipal water. Water samples were analysed for various physio-chemical parameters to understand water quality. The impact of this water pollution on the health of candidates was assessed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The outcome variables like jaundice were considered to see if an association with the drinking water source was present.Results: Most of the water parameters were within acceptable ranges set by WHO except total dissolved solids (TDS). Majority of subjects who reported jaundice were consuming water from municipal source. Jaundice was found to be statistically significant with p<0.05.Conclusions: The results show that there is significant water pollution present in Faridabad. The possible explanation for the high prevalence of symptoms among those using municipal water is likely because of contamination with sewage lines. This may be the result of old, rusted pipelines lying close to sewer lines. This calls for an urgent intervention by the authorities.