DRINKING WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN SCHOOLS OF GARHWAL REGION UTTARAKHAND , INDIA

Water is one of the main important abiotic component of the environment. Approximately, 97% of the total water is found in oceans, which is not appropriate for drinking, and only 3% is considered as fresh water, out of which 2.97% is found as glaciers and ice caps. Only the remaining little portion i.e. 0.03%, is obtainable as surface and ground water for human use (Muhammad et al.,2013). Harmless drinking water is a basic need for good health and it is a rudimentary right of humans (WHO, 2001). Water quality is the measure of how safe the water is, in terms of supporting beneficial uses or meeting its environmental standards. Potable water, is the water which is suitable for drinking and cooking purposes. Potability considers both the safety of water in terms of health, and its acceptability to the consumer, usually in terms of taste, odor, color and other sensible qualities (Benignos, 2012).