Throughout history, importance and significance of water has been recognized by mankind. Its importance is because of two reasons. First, it is an essential and major component of each and every living cell. For example, human body consists of about water. Secondly, it provides an environment for animals and plants that live in water. So, all living organisms owe their life to water.
We use water in daily life for drinking, cooking and washing purposes. Quality of drinking water has remained a major factor in determining human health and welfare since ages. Since World War II, there has been a rapid production and use of synthetic chemicals. Many of these chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides run off from agriculture lands and industrial discharge from industrial units) have polluted water supplies. Besides this, there is also a threat to groundwater from waste chemical dumps and landfills.
Currently, waterborne toxic chemicals pose the greatest threat to the supplies of water especially in urban areas. Use of this water is causing waterborne diseases. So use of polluted water is a concern of every citizen. Therefore, understanding the sources and effects of water pollution is essential for controlling this alarming threat.