WELL WATER IN KERALA AND NATURALLY PURIFICATION

WELL WATER IN KERALA AND NATURALLY PURIFICATION

It is well known that one can survive without food for a few weeks however without water, not more than 3 days. More than half of our body is made of water.

Kerala has the most number of wells per sq.km. It is the highest in the whole world. More than 80% of the people depend on well water for their daily use including drinking.

But,hub of germs:E.coli count was as high as 2,400 in 15 samples collected from well water from as many local bodies in rural and urban areas in Kerala.According to a survey, faecal intrusion has made ground water in Kerala town and rural areas unfit for human consumption. A sample survey of well water conducted by Suchitwa Mission (DSM) reveals that presence of E.coli bacteria has reached dangerous levels in ground water.DSM collected 15 samples of well water from as many local bodies in rural and urban areas  from Kerala. Of the 15 only one sample had ‘satisfactory’ results after they were tested at the Regional Analytical Lab.

Drinking water must be free of any trace of E. coli, a type of faecal coliform bacteria found in the intestines of animals and humans.A study of the 15 samples showed that the count of E.coli ranged from hundred to thousands. In one sample, the count was as high as 2,400, effectively reducing the water to waste. The laboratory report recommended that most of the wells sampled be drained and disinfected. Fresh water should then be disinfected using bleaching powder in the proportion of 10 mg per 4,000 litres. Ideally, this disinfection process should be done every fortnight. One survey revealed that in rural areas single unscientifically created pits replaced septic tanks.Pits should not extend beyond the maximum depth of 1.20 metres in areas with laterite soil. In sandy areas such as coastal regions it should be within 30 cm to prevent the pit from coming into contact with ground water. But it was found that the pits were drawn at the maximum depth possible in many areas.Some areas septic tanks were also found to be constructed in faulty manner.Septic tanks are supposed to facilitate sucking out its content periodically to allow cleaning. A majority of the septic tanks were also found permanently sealed. The DSM has planned to launch a massive awareness campaign on septage management.

Contaminated water.

1-Burial Ground: If the well is near a burial ground where bodies are not charred then there is a chance of decomposed oily appearance above the water.

2-Septic Tanks: Septic tanks should be at least 15meters away from the well.

3-Dumping Ground: If there is large scale waste dumping in the vicinity, water will get contaminated.

4-Industries: If there are any large industries like coir, fertilizer and other chemical units then along with rain water everything dissolves and mixes with the well water.

Natural Remedies

Amala Heart Wood (Nelli Palaka): In Kerala, most wells are built using laterite stones. In some, just the base part is bolstered using laterite and in others, it’s used all the way up. The strength of the surrounding soil is considered when making this choice. Many old wells use the Heart wood of Indian Gooseberry tree in the base area. This not just cools the water but the Gooseberry wood also has tremendous medicinal qualities. This wood never corrodes in water.

Charred Coconut Shell: Activated charcoal commonly used nowadays for certain type of poison treatment, water purification and in many other industrial uses. Reason is simple; 1 gram of activated charcoal has more than 1500 square meter of surface area. Because of its adsorption quality, it helps in trapping impurities. Charred coconut shell would be tied in a muslin cloth or mesh cloth and dipped inside the well water for few days. This practice was prevalent in Kerala and would be done once in every few months.

Kinar le Koova (Arrowroot of the well): This plant has almost disappeared from many villages and older generation people also don’t know about it, except a few. This is a type of aquatic arrowroot which floats in the water with stem, tuber and has fibrous roots. Roots attract most type of residue, also there was a recent study published about it that it controls and kills e-coli.

Moringa tree: Drumstick trees are said to draw toxins and store it in the stem. Many traditional wells have moringa tree planted close. Alum: Alum also helps in killing germs and it also attracts residue which otherwise would float on the water.Sunlight: It’s essential that well water, or any drinking water for that matter, sees sunlight. UV rays kill bacteria and I also believe it charges water which can help synthesis Vitamin D. Sunlight gives water life. Make sure to draw water manually daily and not always use a motor.

Protect the top: Ensure that nothing falls into the well easily by constructing at least a 3 foot high wall on the well and also cover it with a net.Clean you water tanks: Make sure you clean your overhead water tanks once in six months. Most of the ones I have noticed in Kerala are in horrible condition.Copper Vessel & Boiling: Before buying an expensive water purifier, please don’t forget the basics – boil and cool! If you are lazy then purchase good quality copper vessel; it does wonders. Copper ions help in killing the germs and also charging up the water.Laterite stone, sand and other soil structure aids in purifying the ground water.

Prof. John Kurakar