Challenges in Achieving Potable Water Quality in Lakes
Lakes receive water from treated and untreated sewage, rainwater mixed with sewage, and stormwater runoff, all of which introduce pollutants.
Rainwater, considered pure, becomes contaminated as it flows over urban surfaces, picking up chemicals and minerals.
The stagnant nature of lake water leads to biochemical processes that further degrade water quality.
Significant investment is required to treat wastewater; for example, treating 1 million liters costs about ₹1 crore.
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) must be reduced to 3 mg/l for potable water standards, but small reductions may not significantly change quality categories.
Absence of standards for nutrients like nitrogen hampers evaluation of water quality improvements.
Stakeholder expectations must align with achievable improvements in water quality and biodiversity rather than just meeting potable standards.
Successful lake restoration requires proper planning, stakeholder input, phased targets, and a focus on ecosystem health rather than solely on drinkability.
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