Elevated ammonia levels in the Yamuna River have become a pressing concern for Delhi residents, posing significant health risks and disrupting daily life. Ammonia, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is highly soluble in water.
High
ammonia in drinking water
may lead to many health disorders. Too much ammonia in the body causes neurological disorders like loss of memory and loss of concentration. Severe ammonia levels in the drinking water may cause irritation in the skin, eyes, and mucous membrane. The gastrointestinal system is also affected by the ammonia, and it may lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Ammonia also causes damage to the kidneys because the body is not able to remove excess nitrogen. Infants and any person with a pre-existing medical condition are most vulnerable.
In aquatic environments, elevated ammonia concentrations can be toxic to aquatic life and render water unsafe for human consumption.
How’s the drinking water situation in Delhi?
Delhi Jal Board has warned residents of water shortage due to increased ammonia level in Yamuna river. “Due to ammonia levels in the Yamuna, water production at Wazirabad Plant is down by 25-50%. Expect low water pressure until the situation improves,” it has posted on X citing the reason for
high ammonia levels
of more than 5 parts per million (ppm). It said that until improvement, the water in the affected areas will be supplied at low pressure.
The raw water from the river channel contains industrial effluents, including fertilizers, dyes, and plastics, along with decomposed organic matter, which contribute to ammonia contamination. This issue worsens during the winter season due to higher pollutant concentrations as the river’s flow diminishes, shrinking in the absence of rainfall upstream.
In October 2024, a thick layer of white froth covered the Yamuna River, raising serious concerns over health hazards. The froth, containing high levels of ammonia and phosphates, tends to appear more visible during festival seasons, highlighting the continuous crisis of pollution. As November 2024 approached, the situation did not seem to change. The river remained heavily polluted and covered with toxic foam primarily caused by industrial waste. As a crucial source of water for Delhi’s population, the Yamuna’s contamination poses significant health risks to residents.
Preventive measures for residents
In order to reduce the health hazards from high ammonia content in Yamuna, Delhi citizens can take the following measures:
- Use sophisticated filtration systems that remove chemical contaminants, such as ammonia.
- Boiling water will not remove ammonia, but boiling will kill some pathogens that may be present in the water, thereby making the water safer for drinking.
- Avoid playing or bathing in Yamuna to avoid exposure to contaminated water.
- Keep track of the official advisories on water quality and follow the suggested safety precautions.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
