Riverbank Filtration as a Sustainable Solution for Drinking Water Quality and Quantity Problems in Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Abstract

River bank filtration is a sustainable solution for drinking water quality and quantity problems in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Riverbank filtration (RBF) is an efficient and low-cost natural alternative technology for water supply application, in which surface water contaminants are removed or degraded as the infiltrating water moves from the river/lake to the pumping wells. The removal or degradation of contaminants is a combination of physicochemical and biological processes. This paper presents an investigation to the full set-up of 22 RBF large diameter (10 m) caisson wells located along the bank of River Ganga in order to supply portable drinking water for Haridwar (112,617 persons residing permanently in the main city). These 22 RBF large diameter (10 m) caisson wells were constructed along the bank of River Ganga at Haridwar, each 7–10 m deep, and are located 50–450 m from the Ganga River or the Upper Ganga Canal. Water samples from River Ganga as induced surface water, from Upper Ganga Canal (UGC), groundwater (open well) and from RBF wells were collected and analysed for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period. Quality measurements of physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics were obtained. Comparison of water supplied from RBF wells with surface, UGC and background natural groundwater for the investigated Haridwar site has proven the effectiveness of RBF technique for potable water supply in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the produced water are better than the allowable standards (IS 10500) for drinking purposes or recommended WHO limits. The results prove effectiveness of RBF method for sustainable drinking water supply in feasible locations.