The poor quality of water in Ramanagaram district was highlighted after samples from all 1,180 villages in the district was tested recently. At least 44 per cent of the population of the district are at high risk owing to excess fluoride and nitrate content in the drinking water.
The Health and Family Welfare Department conducted the testing and found that samples drawn from 520 villages were not fit for consumption. The fluoride concentration in the water was found to be higher than the permissible level of 0.5 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm), B.S. Anilkumar, fluorosis consultant, Ramanagaram, said.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Thursday, Mr. Anilkumar said the “condition is very critical” at some villages.
The presence of excess fluoride and nitrate in drinking water can cause permanent disability, kidney stone formation, dental fluorosis, skeletal deformities, irritation in eyes and mucous membranes, blue-baby syndrome, the official said.
