Introduction

Stream serves people in many ways Drinking Bathing Fishing Irrigation Navigation Recreation Power Generation,

and The carrying away of pollution

Introduction
Biodegradable has become a popular word. It is assumed that if

something is biodegradable, then disposal is not a problem.

The improper disposal of biodegradable substances in streams became

a cause of concern.
The receiving waters were quickly polluted. Fish in the receiving waters died and The water had a very offensive odor.

A stream must therefore be protected, so that it can serve the best

interest of people using it.

Stream Protection
Methods of maintaining a stream
Effluent Standards
Stream Standards

Effluent Standard: The Quality Standards established

by the waste that has been processed from these units.

Stream Standard: The Standard Quality established in

accordance with the designation of water bodies

Stream Classification in India

Class of Stream
A B C D E

Designated Best Use

Drinking Water Source without conventional treatment after disinfection Out door bathing (organised) Drinking Water with conventional treatment followed by disinfection Propagation of wild life-fisheries Irrigation, industrial cooling controlled waste water disposal

Source: CPCB

Effluent Standards
Effluent standards pertain to the quality of the discharge

water itself. They are based on economics than on absolute protection of the stream
Easy to control

Detailed stream analysis are not required

They do not establish an overall level of pollutant loading

for a given water body

Effluent Standards
Ratio of wastewater to stream flow are not considered

Treatment is obligatory irrespective of the size of industry

For effective protection of an overloaded stream, the

effluent standards are required to be upgraded Large industries have an edge over small industry

Disposal Standards
Stream Classification
S. No Characteristics A B C D E

1
2 3 4 5

Dissolved Oxygen mg/l (min)

Biological Oxygen Demand mg/l (max) Total Colliform Organism MPN/100ml Total Dissolved Solids mg/l (Max) Chlorides (as Cl.mg/l (Max.)

6
2 50 500 250

5
3 500 -

4
3 5000 1500 600

4
-

2100 600

Source: BIS

Stream Standards
Stream standards refer to the quality of the receiving

water downstream from the origin of the wastewater discharge They are based on establishing classification of quality for a stream The quality of the receiving water is regulated to maintain established stream classification

Stream Standards
Prevention of excessive pollution/ Loading is limited to

what the stream can assimilate No consideration of type and location of industry Allows public to establish goals for present and future water quality

Stream Standards
Confusion of zone of different classification

Controversy over proportion of stream to be reserved for

future usage (municipal, industrial, agriculture etc.) Opposition from industry/ public to change the established classification A detailed stream analysis is required to determine the level of wastewater treatment required to maintain the health of the ecosystem Cost of treatment may affect the survival of industry