- A new study by scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) concluded that a concentration of uranium up to 60 micrograms per litre (µg/l) in drinking water is safe, suggesting the recently adopted national standard of 30 µg/l could be counterproductive.
- For years, the acceptable level was 60 µg/l, set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). In 2021, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aligned with WHO guidelines and reduced it to 30 µg/l.
- The BARC study argued that compliance with the new BIS standards would entail additional purification costs without health benefits.
- National standards vary across countries based on local factors. Finland and Slovakia have limits of 100 and 350 µg/l, respectively, while South Africa has a limit of 70 µg/l. Countries with large uranium deposits, like Canada and Australia, have limits of 20 and 15 µg/l, respectively.
- The BARC scientists emphasized the need to consider geological, socio–economic conditions, and population dynamics while setting national standards.
- The study recommended continuing with the AERB limit of 60 µg/l until comprehensive health-based and epidemiological studies are conducted in India. The study also pointed out that the uranium concentration in drinking water is natural and not due to mining activities.
- In a comprehensive mapping exercise by BARC researchers, about 94% of the 55,554 samples analysed were below the BIS standard of 30 µg/l, and about 98% were below the AERB standard of 60 µg/l. This highlights that uranium concentrations are generally lower in surface water compared to groundwater sources.
| Atomic Energy Regulatory Board • It was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act. • The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Functions of AERB • Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation and industrial safety areas for facilities under its purview. • Develop Safety Codes, Guides and Standards for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of different types of nuclear and radiation facilities. • Grant consents for siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning, after an appropriate safety review and assessment, for establishment of nuclear and radiation facilities. |
Dig Deeper: Standards of water safety in India and use of chlorine or fluorine?
