Arsenic high in valley water

By Bhauch Prasad Yadav, Kathmandu, Sept.3: The arsenic more than the prescribed standard has been detected in water of the Kathmandu Valley.

According to the Ministry of Water Supply, high levels of arsenic have been found in the water in the southeastern region of the Kathmandu Valley. 

Joint Secretary of the Ministry Krishna Prasad Acharya said that arsenic, which is usually found in the water of the Terai region above the prescribed standard, has been detected in the Kathmandu Valley. 

According to him, arsenic has been detected in Imadol, Tikathali, Bajhepokhari, Sanepa, Balkhu, Syuchatar, and Balkot, of the Kathmandu Valley. He clarified that no arsenic has been found in water in other areas of Kathmandu Valley. 

He said that the amount of arsenic in the water of the capital has been detected from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 200 ppb per liter. 

He said, "According to the national drinking water quality standards, the amount of arsenic in drinking water should be up to fifty ppb per liter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined the level of arsenic in drinking water to be ten ppb per liter." 

He said, " Even the amount of arsenic was found in the water of shallow tube well in Terai, the amount of arsenic in the ' deep tube well' in Kathmandu was found to be more than the standard. It was found while testing the water of shallow tube wells and deep tube wells."

According to him, even after testing the water of this area in different laboratories, it tested positive for arsenic, it was later tested in the central water laboratory at Panipokhari for re-certification, which confirmed the case.

Awareness has been spread among denizens to not drink areas from deep tube wells in regions where more arsenic was detected. Water containing more than the standard arsenic cannot be used for drinking purposes, but it can be used for washing, cleaning, and other domestic purposes. 

He said that the 'EI Standard' of the United States of America has determined that bathing with water containing up to 200 ppb of arsenic will not have negative health effects. 

According to him, arsenic has been found up to 1400 ppb per liter in tube well water of Terai. Arsenic has been found in 27 per cent of tube well water in Nawalparasi West. However, among seven districts of Madhesh Province Mahottari district. 

More arsenic has been detected in the water of the Rautahat, Nawalparasi, Bardiya, and Kailali districts. 

He clarified that arsenic has been detected only in underground water not in surface water, river water, and spring water.