Water Quality Index in Arsenic Exposed Areas of West Bengal: Sustainability Toward Proactive Management for Future Risk

Good quality of drinking water is a pressing worldwide concern, and in West Bengal, India, it is further compounded by widespread contamination with pollutants and poor water quality. This study assesses groundwater pollution in domestic shallow tube wells (STs) and evaluates the quality of alternative water sources available in studied arsenic (As) endemic areas. It highlights the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to combat water contamination in these regions. Comprehensive analysis of several parameters (physical and chemical) and evaluation of Water Quality Index (WQI) provides critical insights into groundwater suitability for domestic purposes. The findings reveal that approximately 91%, 85%, 51%, and 63% of water samples from Deganga, Gaighata, Raninagar-II, and Nadia, respectively, cannot be recommended for consumption. Alternative sources also exhibit elevated As levels. Treated surface water, water from reverse osmosis (RO) plant, and dug well (DW) have been found to be safe. Several studies highlighted the adversity of As-contaminated water consumption and ineffectiveness of local authorities in maintaining water quality of different alternative sources. However, no such major change in the adverse scenario have been found. Urgent policy, collaborative efforts, and ongoing researches are imperative to ensure safe, affordable water to protect health of global population.