What is water pollution?

Last updated on Jun 21, 2022

Water pollution is the contamination of water, i.e. changing of the physical, chemical or biological properties of water or the emission of sewage or industrial discharge. It includes the introduction of any solid, liquid or gaseous pollutant into water (either directly or indirectly) which would make water toxic and injurious to the health of the public or for domestic, commercial, agricultural or other important purposes or be unsafe and harmful to the life and health of plants, animals and aquatic organisms1.

Causes of water pollution include:

i. Solid water pollutant. For example, plastic waste, metals, food and animal remains.

ii. Liquid water pollutant. For example, sewage, human waste and industrial waste water.

iii. Gaseous water pollutant. For example, methane, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide.

  1. Section 2(e), The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.[]

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Please share your feedback about this post!

Sharing feedback will help us improve our content. Tell us how!

If you want to keep your feedback confidential, please mention it in your feedback. If you have a question, please ask us in the comments or Ask Nyaaya sections.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Related Resources

What are the offences and punishments under air pollution laws?

The offences include releasing of harmful pollutants  into the environment, violation of Pollution Under Control Certificate, etc. 

Who are the authorities regulating water pollution under the law?

The main authorities for the purposes of regulating water pollution are the Central and State Pollution control boards.

Who can you complain to about a grievance under air pollution law?

You can complain to the Police, Central and State Pollution Control Boards, Courts and the National Green Tribunal.

What is the responsibility of industries to prevent water pollution?

The Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Boards fix industry specific standards on water pollution.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the presence of dust, fumes, gas, mist, odor, smoke or vapour, in the atmosphere, in quantities that can cause injury to human, plant or animal life or harm the environment.

What are the rights a person has under this law?

The right to healthy environment for all persons is a part of the Right to Life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India.