Context: 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directs the government to regulate RO-based water Purification Systems.

NGT Ban On RO Water 

• NGT directs MoEF&CC to establish regulations for RO based water purification systems, resulting in Water Purification System (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2023.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also notified the “IS 16240: 2023 Reverse Osmosis based point of Use Water Treatment System for Drinking Purposes”

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)? 

• Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage water treatment process that removes contaminants from unfiltered water, or feeds water when pressure forces it through a semipermeable membrane. 
  •  In the final stage, the RO membrane, water flows from the more concentrated side (more contaminants) to the less concentrated side (fewer contaminants) to provide clean drinking water. 
  • The fresh water produced is called the permeate. 
  • The concentrated water left over is called the waste or brine.

What Issues with RO Water? 

• Wastage Of water: NGT reports that RO purifiers result in the loss of approximately 70-80 percent of water during purification. 
• Effects On Health:
  • Healthy Minerals Discarded:  After RO filtration water becomes short of vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium and carbonates.
  • Dilution of body Electrolytes: Inadequate body water redistribution between compartments may compromise the function of vital organs.
  • Losses of essential elements from food 
  • Increases the risk of various health issues like hypertension, coronary heart disease, ulcers, gastritis, etc.

What Are Issues with RO Water Purifiers Plants?

• Impact on land & Water Bodies: The RO reject can upset the land, surface water or sewerage system by deposition of Brine. 
• Impacts on Flora & Fauna: Salinity will affect the food chain & Biogeochemical Cycle. 
• Higher Economic Cost 
• Higher Energy Consumption

Alternatives To RO Water

• UV or UF Filters: These filters utilise ultraviolet light or a membrane to eliminate bacteria and viruses, ensuring safe drinking water without excessive water wastage. 
• Activated Carbon Filters: These filters effectively remove impurities and contaminants from water, ensuring clean and safe drinking water. 
• Boiling Water: Boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, rendering the water safe for drinking. 

News Source: PIB

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