• The drinking water supply in the state is primarily dependent upon the ground water.
• The state government had conducted testing of 10% of government sources (45,000 sources) in the year 2002-2003 for 15 parameters except Arsenic.
• Result revealed the existence of chemical contamination like Fluoride and Iron in the different part of the state.
• Arsenic contamination in ground water was noticed in Simariya Ojhapatti village of Bhojpur district in October 2002.
• After noticing of Arsenic presence in ground water in Simariya Ojhapatti, the department conducted testing of ground water in 10 km stretch bordering river Ganga and over 80000 water sources spreading over 65 blocks of 11 districts were tested for Arsenic.
• The test results were positive and the ground water in 892 habitations were found to be contaminated with Arsenic > 50ppb (as per BIS standard 50ppb was permissible limit).
• Similarly to find out the spread up of Fluoride in the six districts, 44355 existing government water sources of six districts were tested during 2005-2006.
• After finding of chemical contamination in ground water, department had planned for comprehensive water testing of 2,70,318 water sources spread up in all districts of Bihar in year 2007-08.

• Identification of contaminated as well as safe water sources.
• Mapping of Village specific GIS database.
• Transparent information system among all stakeholders regarding-awareness and health education.
• Providing alternate safe drinking water source.
• Operation and maintenance of constructed treatment plant.
• Selection of safe and economical technologies.

Steps and Intervention taken up:

• Infected hand-pumps have been identified and put into hold for further usages.
• Task force at state level constituted.
• State and Districts laboratories are functional for testing and mapping of water sources.
• Holistic approach has been adopted for mitigation activities in water quality affected areas.
• Traditional water sources like dug wells are being converted into sanitary wells.
• Rain water harvesting system and aquifer recharging systems are being constructed in quality problems areas.
• Surface water based scheme planned.
• Safest aquifers explored for Piped water supply.

Mitigation Measures in Arsenic/Fluoride/Iron affected Districts:

Software Mitigation activities

• An awareness campaign has been organized in arsenic, fluoride and iron affected districts with the following targets.
• Community in affected areas aware that arsenic and fluoride may be found in handpump water, and can cause serious illness.
• Community in affected areas understand the meaning of a red and blue handpump spout.

IEC Materials

IEC tools developed for informing community volunteers, Frontline functionaries both belonging to Govt and NGO stream are the following: Hand outs, FAQs on Myths & realities, posters on Signs & symptoms for general awareness, Wall paintings and relevant training materials for the field staff.

Hardware Activities:

The mitigation options is taken up on the basis of availability of water sources and geological conditions of the districts are following:

Long-term Mitigation

Surface water Source:

• Multi village piped water supply scheme by using conventional treatment plant for arsenic & fluoride affected area.

Ground water Source:

• Piped water supply scheme from safest aquifer.
• Solar based mini piped water supply scheme with treatment unit.

Short-term Mitigation

• Handpump attachment treatment unit.
• Sanitary dug well with IM3 handpump and with solar based pump.
• Rainwater harvesting systems.