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Contribute to WQI
If you are a University/ Research/ Educational Institutional or Independent Expert or Private citizen, you may give your submission here.
Introduction
Safe and clean drinking water is fundamental to public health, human development, environmental sustainability and socio-economic progress. In India, significant efforts are being undertaken under various national programmes, particularly the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to ensure access to safe drinking water for every household.
While extensive water quality monitoring is being carried out across the country, interpretation of water quality data often remains technical and difficult for citizens, field officials and community institutions to understand easily. There is therefore a need for a simplified, scientific and standardised framework that can communicate the overall status of drinking water quality in an understandable manner.
In this context, SPM-NIWAS is working on the development of a Water Quality Index (WQI) for the drinking water sector as per the direction and guidance of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Government of India.
The proposed WQI framework aims to:
Simplify interpretation of drinking water quality data
Support evidence-based planning and decision-making
Facilitate public communication and awareness
Enable comparative assessment across regions
Strengthen monitoring and reporting systems in the drinking water sector
The Institute is adopting a consultative and evidence-based approach involving States/UTs, academic institutions, laboratories, sector experts, practitioners and citizens.
About Water Quality Index (WQI)
What is Water Quality Index?
A Water Quality Index (WQI) is a scientific tool that converts multiple water quality parameters into a single numerical value or category representing the overall quality of water. It simplifies complex laboratory data into an easy-to-understand format for policymakers, administrators, field officials and citizens.
A WQI generally combines selected physical, chemical and microbiological parameters using a scientifically developed methodology and assigns a score or category indicating the suitability of water for drinking purposes.
Objectives of the Initiative
The key objectives of the proposed WQI initiative are:
To develop a scientifically robust and practical Water Quality Index framework for the drinking water sector.
To simplify interpretation and communication of drinking water quality data for citizens and stakeholders.
To support policy formulation, planning and prioritisation in water quality management.
To strengthen evidence-based monitoring and reporting systems.
To facilitate comparative assessment of drinking water quality across regions and time periods.
To encourage standardisation in water quality reporting methodologies.
To promote stakeholder participation and knowledge sharing in the drinking water sector.
Requests to States and Union Territories
SPM-NIWAS has requested all States and Union Territories to provide relevant inputs, documents and technical suggestions for development of the WQI framework.
Request to Reputed Organisations & Academic Institutions
SPM-NIWAS has requested reputed organisations, academic institutions, laboratories, researchers, experts, practitioners and professionals working in the water and sanitation sector to contribute in the development of WQI.
Request to independent experts and citizens
Even independent experts and private citizens can contribute here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Water Quality Index (WQI)?
WQI is a scientific tool used to represent overall water quality through a simplified numerical value or category based on multiple water quality parameters.
Is the WQI framework finalised?
No. The framework is presently under development and consultation. Inputs from stakeholders are being invited before finalisation.
Who can provide inputs?
States/UTs, academic institutions, experts, researchers, practitioners, laboratories, organisations and citizens may provide inputs and suggestions.
What type of inputs can be submitted?
Research findings, methodologies, technical notes, case studies, analytical approaches, field experiences and recommendations may be submitted.
Will the methodology be publicly available?
The Institute intends to promote transparency and knowledge sharing in development of the framework.
Is this initiative linked to drinking water programmes?
The proposed WQI framework is intended to support the drinking water sector and may have relevance to monitoring and communication initiatives under programmes such as Jal Jeevan Mission.
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