In a study conducted by Delhi-based NGO Toxics, it was found that high levels of toxic chemicals are present in drinking water. The toxic chemicals are 29 to 81 times higher than the prescribed limit, which can disrupt the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems on exposure.

The researchers found a chemical called ‘Nonylphenol’ in the drinking water that is used as a formulant in pesticides and lubricating oil additives. In the study, a total of fifteen drinking water samples were collected from different parts of the country and were sent to the Sriram Institute of Industrial Research, Delhi for testing. Out of these fifteen samples, the highest concentration of toxic chemicals was observed in a bore water sample from Bathinda, Punjab (80.5 parts per billion), while the lowest concentration was found in tap water from the government supply in Delhi (29.1 parts per billion).

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set standards for the phenolic compounds in drinking water and surface water at 1 part per billion and 5 parts per million, respectively. However, there are no standards for nonylphenol in drinking and surface water at present. Mr. Omkar, the Program Coordinator of the Research, stated that several countries, such as the US, China, European Union, and Japan, have already acknowledged the danger of this chemical and have come up with regulations to minimize its release into the environment. (Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/high-levels-of-toxic-chemical-found-in-drinking-water-across-country-report/92745520 )