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To determine the quality of potable water in terms of presence of emerging contaminants such as Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in addition to the monitoring of basic drinking water parameters. The cities covered will be a megacity with high population density (Mumbai) and fast growing city (Nagpur).

Water quality monitoring is used to alert the authorities to current, ongoing and emerging problems; to determine compliance with drinking water standards and to protect other beneficial uses of water. There is alarming presence of emerging contaminants like Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB, is a looming health threat to the population). Emerging contaminants of concern like Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARBs) are not completely removed from conventional waste water treatment plants. In the country approximately 30 percent of waste water is treated and the treatment is not complete. These contaminants find their way into natural water bodies, which serve as a water source for potable use. Chlorination and post chlorination in water treatment plants may not be 100 % efficient in removing ARB and Antibiotic Resistant Genes (ARG) which could be picked up by stray bacteria and bacteria in old supply lines through transformation process. Additionally, the chances of contamination are more during the monsoon season. The study is based on surveillance seasonally. The samples will be taken from start till the end of the potable water supply and this will help in better understanding and fixing the problem to the best possible extent. At the consumer end water samples will be taken from different household levels (varying economic status). Samples will be analysed insitu for onspot parameters and will be transported to the lab for analysis of other parameters. Analysis will be done as per protocol by APHA (American Public Health Association). Data collected will be subjected to statistical analysis.

New Project

These efforts will catalyze the creation of a sustainable and institutionalized surveillance system for megacities of Maharashtra, India centered for high burden diseases and future health threats of emerging contaminants like ARBs. It will provide a framework for similar work in other cities in the country. It will also be useful to better understand and mitigate India’s high burden of antimicrobial-resistant infections at various stages of water supply starting from the source. This will also generate awareness amongst the women population of the country who are the prime caretakers of the family to take appropriate steps at the consumer end. Besides the above, publication from the work conducted and generating awareness amongst the citizens

Water supplied in urban areas have possible contamination and also deviation of regular drinking water parameters from the acceptable limit due to source contamination, contamination during storage, contamination during transit and contamination during the monsoon period. The proposed project will demonstrate the importance of considering water quality monitoring and surveillance of ARB on routine basis by concerned authorities. Besides the above, generating awareness amongst the citizens.

Self Implemented