BIS standards for drinking water

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prepared a draft standard for the supply system of piped drinking water and has invited comments from water utilities

About draft:

• The draft is labelled ‘Drinking water supply quality management system — requirements for piped drinking water supply service’ and has been prepared by the BIS’ Public Drinking Water Supply Services Sectional Committee.
• It outlines the process of water supply, from raw water sources to household taps, and has been developed keeping in view the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission for providing safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024 through tap connections.
• The standard holds importance as it is expected to make the process of piped water supply more uniform, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas of the country where the system runs on various government orders and circulars.

Concept:

• Drinking water is water intended for human consumption for drinking and cooking purposes from any source. It includes water (treated or untreated) supplied by any means for human consumption. The quality standards for drinking water in India is prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards laid down IS 10500 : 2012