Water Quality is defined by the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water that assess its usability for consumption, agriculture, industrial applications, and supporting aquatic ecosystems.\medskipFactors Contributing to Declining Surface Water Quality in India:
Industrial Effluent Discharge: Untreated or inadequately treated industrial wastewater is discharged into rivers and lakes.
Domestic Sewage Release: Significant volumes of household sewage are directly discharged into water bodies without prior treatment.
Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are carried into adjacent rivers and lakes via surface runoff.
Religious and Cultural Practices: The immersion of religious idols, ashes, and other offerings contaminates rivers.
Urban Development: Uncontrolled urban expansion results in the encroachment and pollution of water bodies due to deficiencies in sanitation and drainage infrastructure.