HYDERABAD: The abnormally-high levels of calcium in the ground water at a few places in Saroornagar mandal in the city has deteriorated in quality leaving residents at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
According to a report, ‘Study on groundwater quality around Saroornagar Mandal in Hyderabad, Telangana’, the concentration of calcium in the groundwater at Badangpet and Balapur is beyond the permissible level of 200 mg/litre.
The study, which was conducted before and after the monsoon, found that the groundwater in Balapur, for instance, had 224 mg/litre of calcium in the pre-monsoon season. The post-monsoon test showed that it was 214 mg/litre. Similarly, Badangpet showed higher concentration of calcium, a trait which gives the water its “hard” characteristic. Before monsoon, it was 253 mg/l and, after the rainy season, it increased to 271 mg/l.
“The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium contents increase, which is related to the concentration of multivalent cations dissolved in the water. Hard water interferes with almost every cleaning task,” the study said.
More importantly, there is a direct link between hard water and cardiovascular disease. It also contributes to skin dryness and irritation. Adding to that, the study said, “Clothes laundered in hard water may look dingy & feel harsh. Dishes and glasses may be spotted when dry. Hard water may cause formation of a film on glass shower doors, walls, bathtubs, sinks, faucets. Hair washed in hard water may be sticky.”
Other than in Badangpet and Balapur, the groundwater quality was tested at LB Nagar, Bhupesh Nagar, TKR College area and Nandi Hills _ all in Saroornagar mandal.
The water was also tested for its electrical conductivity which indicates the presence of pollution. “The electrical conductivity (EC) was in the range of 479-2255 μS/cm. The highest value of 2,255 EC (well beyond the permissible limits) was recorded in Bhupeshpur in the post-monsoon period,” the study said.