{"id":3512,"date":"2023-03-16T09:26:37","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T08:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/?p=3512"},"modified":"2025-07-29T15:48:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T13:48:31","slug":"is-wastewater-treatment-effective-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/articles\/is-wastewater-treatment-effective-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Is wastewater treatment effective in India?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\"\"
Treatment tank at the wastewater treatment plant in Bhilwara operated by Jindal Saw Limited using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology to eliminate organic pollution \u00a9 Claire Lepault, ao\u00fbt 2022.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wastewater treatment is a major focus of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The goal? Halve the proportion of untreated wastewater at the global level<\/a>1<\/a><\/sup>. Today, there are major disparities across the globe with regard to water treatment. In low or middle-income countries, less than 30% of wastewater is treated, which is worrying for ecosystems, health and the economy, affected by water pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proportion of domestic wastewater safely treated, in compliance with national or local standards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
(Source : UN Water, Export\u00e9 du http:\/\/sdg6data.org\/en\/indicator\/6.3.1  3 mars 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Treating wastewater in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In India, one of the world\u2019s most polluted countries, wastewater treatment is crucial.  Domestic water pollution in rivers poses a risk for the health of populations exposed to waterways. Young children are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by the transmission of pathogens contained in feces, such as salmonella and the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli<\/em>. These diseases cause deficiencies and can be deadly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the effectiveness of water quality regulation is highly controversial in India. In developing countries, weak institutions and law enforcement \u2013 sometimes due to corruption \u2013 are roadblocks to progress in controlling pollution. Recently, an array of public investments have been dedicated to building water facilities in the country. Case studies have observed that wastewater treatment plants function poorly for a variety of reasons, including lack of electricity, poor maintenance, or under- or over-capacity of treatment 2<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>3<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>4<\/a><\/sup>. However, even though the plants function sub-optimally, they may have a beneficial effect, which must be quantified in order to compare the costs and benefits of these public investments and measure the extent of water treatment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estimating the effects of water treatment on pollution and health downstream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research assessing the effect of Indian wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and health downstream is scarce. The project, presented in this article, seeks to answer the following question: \u201cWhat is the effect of large-scale urban wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and downstream health in India?\u201d Statistical methods5<\/a><\/sup> can be used to identify the effects of treatment by comparing the treated group to a control group, which is similar to the treated group but does not benefit from treatment. This study therefore compares water pollution and health in urban areas that have started treating wastewater from 2010 onwards (treated group) versus urban areas where wastewater treatment is proposed or under construction in 2020 (control group). The main hypothesis of this estimation is that in the absence of treatment, downstream pollution and child heath indicators (mortality, diseases, malnutrition) for the two types of urban areas would have evolved in a similar way6<\/a><\/sup>. Since the 1950s, infant mortality has fallen sharply worldwide, due in particular to access to health services. If wastewater treatment plants have an effect, we would expect to see a sharper fall in infant mortality in areas downstream of treatment facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promising results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preliminary findings suggest that wastewater treatment significantly reduced water pollution \u2013 measured by levels of fecal coliform \u2013 in measuring stations located within and downstream of the urban area and the mortality of infants under six months of age in the sub-basins downstream of the urban area. Water consumption \u2013 particularly when water supply systems draw from a surface water source, such as a lake or river \u2013 and exposure to contact with polluted water, for example bathing in the water, are two potential areas in which urban wastewater treatment can affect health in downstream areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support these findings, this study also examines intermediate health outcomes for which the effects of upstream wastewater treatment should be detectable, such as malnutrition due to calories lost as a result of diarrheal diseases and parasite infections. If wastewater treatment reduces the number of deaths by infection, acute malnutrition (measured by weight for height) and chronic malnutrition (measured by height for age) should also be reduced. In addition, the effects on malnutrition are of interest since malnutrition has long-term effects on child development. Chronic malnutrition is notably linked to poorer learning outcomes in childhood and lower incomes in adulthood7<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Informing public policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From a political point of view, the study suggests that there is great potential for improving health through wastewater treatment in India. In 2020, the installed capacity of urban wastewater treatment plants represented less than 30% of the estimated quantity of urban wastewater generated. Moreover, among the plants indicating their compliance status, over a third do not meet environmental standards. The calculations based on the 2020 inventory of Indian wastewater treatment plants 2020 suggest that only 12.4% of the total wastewater produced in urban areas was treated in compliance with government standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, further research should be conducted, in particular a cost-benefit analysis of public investment on wastewater treatment and the identification of regions where drinking water comes from insufficiently treated surface water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is published as part of the 50th anniversary of the International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n
  1. Through goal 6 and more specifically target 6.3 \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. Suresh, B. S.V., Seth, B. L., Chakand, Ajit, Dixit, V. K., Narain, and Sunita. Sewage Canal: How to Clean the Yamuna. Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, 2007. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  3. R. Upadhyay, N. Dasgupta, A. Hasan, and S. Upadhyay. Managing water quality of river yamuna in ncr delhi. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A\/B\/C, 36(9-11):372\u2013378, 2011. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  4. K. Wankhade. Urban sanitation in india: key shifts in the national policy frame. Environment and Urbanization, 27(2):555\u2013572, 2015. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  5. The statistical method used here is the econometric double difference method. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  6. The initial levels may be different but the trends are the same. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  7. Black, R.E., et al. (2013) Maternal and Child Undernutrition and Overweight in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries. The Lancet, 382, 427-451. – References – Scientific Research Publishing, [online]. [Consulted on\u00a02\u00a0March\u00a02023].https:\/\/www.scirp.org\/(S(czeh2tfqw2orz553k1w0r45))\/reference\/referencespapers.aspx?referenceid=287054<\/a> \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  8. A robustness analysis was performed to verify that the reduction in mortality was not due to demographic change in the population in untreated areas or to household behavioral changes in terms of water treatment or open defecation. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Wastewater treatment is a major focus of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The goal? Halve the proportion of untreated wastewater […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3391,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_related_content_post":[],"_related_content_subject":[124,936],"_related_content_author":[3519],"_related_content_category":[],"_related_content_folder":[],"_excerpt":"For many countries, drinking water is a rare commodity. This is the case in India, where in 2022, only 50% of rural households had a tap in their dwelling, with irregular supply and infrequent quality monitoring<\/a>. Although many sewage treatment plants have been built in recent years, their operation is not always optimal. Claire Lepault, a PhD student at CIRED, is therefore questioning the efficiency of wastewater treatment in the country.","_duration":4,"_manual_duration":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"Through goal 6 and more specifically target 6.3\",\"id\":\"ef01a89e-f410-4d80-90f0-b127e274336f\"},{\"content\":\"Suresh, B. S.V., Seth, B. L., Chakand, Ajit, Dixit, V. K., Narain, and Sunita. Sewage Canal: How to Clean the Yamuna. Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, 2007.\",\"id\":\"f92afa68-f6cb-4613-b497-aa779c080436\"},{\"content\":\"R. Upadhyay, N. Dasgupta, A. Hasan, and S. Upadhyay. Managing water quality of river yamuna in ncr delhi. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A\/B\/C, 36(9-11):372\u2013378, 2011.\",\"id\":\"124efc07-6d42-4e97-9800-257724b2557d\"},{\"content\":\"K. Wankhade. Urban sanitation in india: key shifts in the national policy frame. Environment and Urbanization, 27(2):555\u2013572, 2015.\",\"id\":\"3e3e8064-e5d3-477f-b229-2940a142eacf\"},{\"content\":\"The statistical method used here is the econometric double difference method.\",\"id\":\"60e2dd0b-d38c-468d-9099-d6d50f828c94\"},{\"content\":\"The initial levels may be different but the trends are the same.\",\"id\":\"3096136b-88d7-488a-99c3-614528ec4775\"},{\"content\":\"Black, R.E., et al. (2013) Maternal and Child Undernutrition and Overweight in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries. The Lancet, 382, 427-451. - References - Scientific Research Publishing, [online]. [Consulted on\u00a02\u00a0March\u00a02023].https:\/\/www.scirp.org\/(S(czeh2tfqw2orz553k1w0r45))\/reference\/referencespapers.aspx?referenceid=287054<\/a>\",\"id\":\"3a32ba65-d4a8-4c93-86cd-ef596665a7d1\"},{\"content\":\"A robustness analysis was performed to verify that the reduction in mortality was not due to demographic change in the population in untreated areas or to household behavioral changes in terms of water treatment or open defecation.\",\"id\":\"47695899-0bfe-4eaa-ac20-aa8240fcf5b2\"}]"},"article-types":[27],"class_list":["post-3512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-types-folder"],"has_blocks":true,"block_data":[{"blockName":"enpc\/excerpt","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":3390,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"wide","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/STP_Bhilwara-1024x766.jpg","alt":"","caption":null,"lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image alignwide size-large","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    \"\"
    Treatment tank at the wastewater treatment plant in Bhilwara operated by Jindal Saw Limited using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology to eliminate organic pollution \u00a9 Claire Lepault, ao\u00fbt 2022.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n
    \"\"
    Treatment tank at the wastewater treatment plant in Bhilwara operated by Jindal Saw Limited using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology to eliminate organic pollution \u00a9 Claire Lepault, ao\u00fbt 2022.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n
    \"\"
    Treatment tank at the wastewater treatment plant in Bhilwara operated by Jindal Saw Limited using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology to eliminate organic pollution \u00a9 Claire Lepault, ao\u00fbt 2022.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Wastewater treatment is a major focus of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The goal? Halve the proportion of untreated wastewater at the global level<\/a>1<\/a><\/sup>. Today, there are major disparities across the globe with regard to water treatment. In low or middle-income countries, less than 30% of wastewater is treated, which is worrying for ecosystems, health and the economy, affected by water pollution.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Wastewater treatment is a major focus of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The goal? Halve the proportion of untreated wastewater at the global level<\/a>1<\/a><\/sup>. Today, there are major disparities across the globe with regard to water treatment. In low or middle-income countries, less than 30% of wastewater is treated, which is worrying for ecosystems, health and the economy, affected by water pollution.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Wastewater treatment is a major focus of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The goal? Halve the proportion of untreated wastewater at the global level<\/a>1<\/a><\/sup>. Today, there are major disparities across the globe with regard to water treatment. In low or middle-income countries, less than 30% of wastewater is treated, which is worrying for ecosystems, health and the economy, affected by water pollution.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"level":3,"textColor":"medium-grey","textAlign":"","content":null,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-medium-grey-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Proportion of domestic wastewater safely treated, in compliance with national or local standards<\/h3>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Proportion of domestic wastewater safely treated, in compliance with national or local standards<\/h3>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Proportion of domestic wastewater safely treated, in compliance with national or local standards<\/h3>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":3392,"width":"656px","height":"546px","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Global-status-of-indicator-6.3.1-Proportion-of-wastewater-flow-safely-treated-_-Domestic-2020-2-1024x853.png","alt":"","caption":null,"lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
    \"\"
    (Source : UN Water, Export\u00e9 du http:\/\/sdg6data.org\/en\/indicator\/6.3.1  3 mars 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n
    \"\"
    (Source : UN Water, Export\u00e9 du http:\/\/sdg6data.org\/en\/indicator\/6.3.1  3 mars 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n
    \"\"
    (Source : UN Water, Export\u00e9 du http:\/\/sdg6data.org\/en\/indicator\/6.3.1  3 mars 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Treating wastewater in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Treating wastewater in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Treating wastewater in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    In India, one of the world\u2019s most polluted countries, wastewater treatment is crucial.  Domestic water pollution in rivers poses a risk for the health of populations exposed to waterways. Young children are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by the transmission of pathogens contained in feces, such as salmonella and the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli<\/em>. These diseases cause deficiencies and can be deadly. <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    In India, one of the world\u2019s most polluted countries, wastewater treatment is crucial.  Domestic water pollution in rivers poses a risk for the health of populations exposed to waterways. Young children are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by the transmission of pathogens contained in feces, such as salmonella and the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli<\/em>. These diseases cause deficiencies and can be deadly. <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    In India, one of the world\u2019s most polluted countries, wastewater treatment is crucial.  Domestic water pollution in rivers poses a risk for the health of populations exposed to waterways. Young children are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by the transmission of pathogens contained in feces, such as salmonella and the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli<\/em>. These diseases cause deficiencies and can be deadly. <\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    At the same time, the effectiveness of water quality regulation is highly controversial in India. In developing countries, weak institutions and law enforcement \u2013 sometimes due to corruption \u2013 are roadblocks to progress in controlling pollution. Recently, an array of public investments have been dedicated to building water facilities in the country. Case studies have observed that wastewater treatment plants function poorly for a variety of reasons, including lack of electricity, poor maintenance, or under- or over-capacity of treatment 2<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>3<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>4<\/a><\/sup>. However, even though the plants function sub-optimally, they may have a beneficial effect, which must be quantified in order to compare the costs and benefits of these public investments and measure the extent of water treatment.
    <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    At the same time, the effectiveness of water quality regulation is highly controversial in India. In developing countries, weak institutions and law enforcement \u2013 sometimes due to corruption \u2013 are roadblocks to progress in controlling pollution. Recently, an array of public investments have been dedicated to building water facilities in the country. Case studies have observed that wastewater treatment plants function poorly for a variety of reasons, including lack of electricity, poor maintenance, or under- or over-capacity of treatment 2<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>3<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>4<\/a><\/sup>. However, even though the plants function sub-optimally, they may have a beneficial effect, which must be quantified in order to compare the costs and benefits of these public investments and measure the extent of water treatment.
    <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    At the same time, the effectiveness of water quality regulation is highly controversial in India. In developing countries, weak institutions and law enforcement \u2013 sometimes due to corruption \u2013 are roadblocks to progress in controlling pollution. Recently, an array of public investments have been dedicated to building water facilities in the country. Case studies have observed that wastewater treatment plants function poorly for a variety of reasons, including lack of electricity, poor maintenance, or under- or over-capacity of treatment 2<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>3<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>4<\/a><\/sup>. However, even though the plants function sub-optimally, they may have a beneficial effect, which must be quantified in order to compare the costs and benefits of these public investments and measure the extent of water treatment.
    <\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Estimating the effects of water treatment on pollution and health downstream<\/strong><\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Estimating the effects of water treatment on pollution and health downstream<\/strong><\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Estimating the effects of water treatment on pollution and health downstream<\/strong><\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Research assessing the effect of Indian wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and health downstream is scarce. The project, presented in this article, seeks to answer the following question: \u201cWhat is the effect of large-scale urban wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and downstream health in India?\u201d Statistical methods5<\/a><\/sup> can be used to identify the effects of treatment by comparing the treated group to a control group, which is similar to the treated group but does not benefit from treatment. This study therefore compares water pollution and health in urban areas that have started treating wastewater from 2010 onwards (treated group) versus urban areas where wastewater treatment is proposed or under construction in 2020 (control group). The main hypothesis of this estimation is that in the absence of treatment, downstream pollution and child heath indicators (mortality, diseases, malnutrition) for the two types of urban areas would have evolved in a similar way6<\/a><\/sup>. Since the 1950s, infant mortality has fallen sharply worldwide, due in particular to access to health services. If wastewater treatment plants have an effect, we would expect to see a sharper fall in infant mortality in areas downstream of treatment facilities.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Research assessing the effect of Indian wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and health downstream is scarce. The project, presented in this article, seeks to answer the following question: \u201cWhat is the effect of large-scale urban wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and downstream health in India?\u201d Statistical methods5<\/a><\/sup> can be used to identify the effects of treatment by comparing the treated group to a control group, which is similar to the treated group but does not benefit from treatment. This study therefore compares water pollution and health in urban areas that have started treating wastewater from 2010 onwards (treated group) versus urban areas where wastewater treatment is proposed or under construction in 2020 (control group). The main hypothesis of this estimation is that in the absence of treatment, downstream pollution and child heath indicators (mortality, diseases, malnutrition) for the two types of urban areas would have evolved in a similar way6<\/a><\/sup>. Since the 1950s, infant mortality has fallen sharply worldwide, due in particular to access to health services. If wastewater treatment plants have an effect, we would expect to see a sharper fall in infant mortality in areas downstream of treatment facilities.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Research assessing the effect of Indian wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and health downstream is scarce. The project, presented in this article, seeks to answer the following question: \u201cWhat is the effect of large-scale urban wastewater treatment plants on water pollution and downstream health in India?\u201d Statistical methods5<\/a><\/sup> can be used to identify the effects of treatment by comparing the treated group to a control group, which is similar to the treated group but does not benefit from treatment. This study therefore compares water pollution and health in urban areas that have started treating wastewater from 2010 onwards (treated group) versus urban areas where wastewater treatment is proposed or under construction in 2020 (control group). The main hypothesis of this estimation is that in the absence of treatment, downstream pollution and child heath indicators (mortality, diseases, malnutrition) for the two types of urban areas would have evolved in a similar way6<\/a><\/sup>. Since the 1950s, infant mortality has fallen sharply worldwide, due in particular to access to health services. If wastewater treatment plants have an effect, we would expect to see a sharper fall in infant mortality in areas downstream of treatment facilities.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Promising results<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Promising results<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Promising results<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Preliminary findings suggest that wastewater treatment significantly reduced water pollution \u2013 measured by levels of fecal coliform \u2013 in measuring stations located within and downstream of the urban area and the mortality of infants under six months of age in the sub-basins downstream of the urban area. Water consumption \u2013 particularly when water supply systems draw from a surface water source, such as a lake or river \u2013 and exposure to contact with polluted water, for example bathing in the water, are two potential areas in which urban wastewater treatment can affect health in downstream areas.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Preliminary findings suggest that wastewater treatment significantly reduced water pollution \u2013 measured by levels of fecal coliform \u2013 in measuring stations located within and downstream of the urban area and the mortality of infants under six months of age in the sub-basins downstream of the urban area. Water consumption \u2013 particularly when water supply systems draw from a surface water source, such as a lake or river \u2013 and exposure to contact with polluted water, for example bathing in the water, are two potential areas in which urban wastewater treatment can affect health in downstream areas.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Preliminary findings suggest that wastewater treatment significantly reduced water pollution \u2013 measured by levels of fecal coliform \u2013 in measuring stations located within and downstream of the urban area and the mortality of infants under six months of age in the sub-basins downstream of the urban area. Water consumption \u2013 particularly when water supply systems draw from a surface water source, such as a lake or river \u2013 and exposure to contact with polluted water, for example bathing in the water, are two potential areas in which urban wastewater treatment can affect health in downstream areas.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    To support these findings, this study also examines intermediate health outcomes for which the effects of upstream wastewater treatment should be detectable, such as malnutrition due to calories lost as a result of diarrheal diseases and parasite infections. If wastewater treatment reduces the number of deaths by infection, acute malnutrition (measured by weight for height) and chronic malnutrition (measured by height for age) should also be reduced. In addition, the effects on malnutrition are of interest since malnutrition has long-term effects on child development. Chronic malnutrition is notably linked to poorer learning outcomes in childhood and lower incomes in adulthood7<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    To support these findings, this study also examines intermediate health outcomes for which the effects of upstream wastewater treatment should be detectable, such as malnutrition due to calories lost as a result of diarrheal diseases and parasite infections. If wastewater treatment reduces the number of deaths by infection, acute malnutrition (measured by weight for height) and chronic malnutrition (measured by height for age) should also be reduced. In addition, the effects on malnutrition are of interest since malnutrition has long-term effects on child development. Chronic malnutrition is notably linked to poorer learning outcomes in childhood and lower incomes in adulthood7<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    To support these findings, this study also examines intermediate health outcomes for which the effects of upstream wastewater treatment should be detectable, such as malnutrition due to calories lost as a result of diarrheal diseases and parasite infections. If wastewater treatment reduces the number of deaths by infection, acute malnutrition (measured by weight for height) and chronic malnutrition (measured by height for age) should also be reduced. In addition, the effects on malnutrition are of interest since malnutrition has long-term effects on child development. Chronic malnutrition is notably linked to poorer learning outcomes in childhood and lower incomes in adulthood7<\/a><\/sup>,<\/sup>8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Informing public policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Informing public policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Informing public policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    From a political point of view, the study suggests that there is great potential for improving health through wastewater treatment in India. In 2020, the installed capacity of urban wastewater treatment plants represented less than 30% of the estimated quantity of urban wastewater generated. Moreover, among the plants indicating their compliance status, over a third do not meet environmental standards. The calculations based on the 2020 inventory of Indian wastewater treatment plants 2020 suggest that only 12.4% of the total wastewater produced in urban areas was treated in compliance with government standards.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    From a political point of view, the study suggests that there is great potential for improving health through wastewater treatment in India. In 2020, the installed capacity of urban wastewater treatment plants represented less than 30% of the estimated quantity of urban wastewater generated. Moreover, among the plants indicating their compliance status, over a third do not meet environmental standards. The calculations based on the 2020 inventory of Indian wastewater treatment plants 2020 suggest that only 12.4% of the total wastewater produced in urban areas was treated in compliance with government standards.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    From a political point of view, the study suggests that there is great potential for improving health through wastewater treatment in India. In 2020, the installed capacity of urban wastewater treatment plants represented less than 30% of the estimated quantity of urban wastewater generated. Moreover, among the plants indicating their compliance status, over a third do not meet environmental standards. The calculations based on the 2020 inventory of Indian wastewater treatment plants 2020 suggest that only 12.4% of the total wastewater produced in urban areas was treated in compliance with government standards.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Finally, further research should be conducted, in particular a cost-benefit analysis of public investment on wastewater treatment and the identification of regions where drinking water comes from insufficiently treated surface water. <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Finally, further research should be conducted, in particular a cost-benefit analysis of public investment on wastewater treatment and the identification of regions where drinking water comes from insufficiently treated surface water. <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Finally, further research should be conducted, in particular a cost-benefit analysis of public investment on wastewater treatment and the identification of regions where drinking water comes from insufficiently treated surface water. <\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    This article is published as part of the 50th anniversary of the International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED<\/a>).<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    This article is published as part of the 50th anniversary of the International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED<\/a>).<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    This article is published as part of the 50th anniversary of the International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED<\/a>).<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":3405,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"none","align":"center","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/logo_50_cired-300x123.png","alt":"","caption":null,"lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n
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