Total heterotropic plate count (HPC), fecal coliform (FC), Escherichia coli (EC), Salmonella and Shigella were estimated in water samples collected from 21 bore wells and 15 hand pumps in and around Kanpur district, during early and post monsoon which revealed the unsanitary condition of water sources.

The study was conducted to assess the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of stored rain water in the ferrocement tanks of Alappuzha District, Kerala. Representative water samples were collected on random basis from ten stations with rain water harvesting facility during the periods January 2006 and April 2006.

The present study evaluated the options of silt disposal from Beas Satluj Link (BSL) hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh in India. BSL project is basically a run of the river power project, envisages diversion of about 4700 MCM per annum of Beas river water into Satlej river falling through an elevation difference at about 320 m.

A dietary survey was carried out during summer and winter seasons on 20-40 years old subjects i.e. 23 and 49 women from sewage and tube well irrigated areas, respectively around Ludhiana city (Punjab, India). Raw food samples from both the areas were analyzed for various minerals. Mineral intake by individual subjects were calculated from the amount of food consumed and mineral contents of foods.

How does one select a water filter?

Step 1: Understand raw water quality. Find out the contaminants in water, its hardness and its total dissolved solid contents. Also find out if the water has heavy metals, pesticides or any other chemical

A consumer looking for a water purifier is most likely to be confronted with a fusillade of quality claims. K J Nath, president, Institution of Public Health Engineers in Kolkata is not sure about their veracity. "A lot of the tall claims by private players cannot be substantiated scientifically,' he says.

The BIS drinking water specification (IS 10500:1991), which is a voluntary standard, was drawn up in 1983. It was last revised 17 years ago. A revision initiated in 2003, is still in its draft stage.

We asked a few manufacturers about the standards they adhere to. Here is what they said

Philips Electronics India: Gold seal Class A certified by the US-based Water Quality Association, certified by KIWA Water Research of the Netherlands and BIS certification for UV filters

Industry sources exude confidence about the water purifier segment. Manufacturers peg their hopes on the increasing purchasing power of the middle class in cities, small towns and the suburbs.