Water in over 20,000 tube wells across the Tarai has been found to have been containing more arsenic than the recommended for safe use. In tests conducted by Nepal Red Cross Society, water in 20,243 tube wells contained arsenic more than the standard fixed by thee government. According to Nepal National Drinking Water Quality Standard 2063, water containing more than 50 ppb arsenic is considered unsafe for drinking.
At a public awareness program organized here by Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), UN-HABITAT, UNICEF, Nepal Red Cross Society and Department of Drinking Water on May 16, it was informed that over 350,000 people have been affected by arsenic. In Banke district, among 45,191 tube wells tested for arsenic content, nearly 1 percent is found to have been containing arsenic above the recommended amount.
Raju Shrestha, who has been conducting research on arsenic, said arsenic related disease start showing symptoms if somebody consumes water with high arsenic content regularly for two years.
Source: Republica; The Rising Nepal; Naya Patrika / NGO Forum, 18 May 2009
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