A one-day workshop on “Standards in Measuring Water Quality” was held on 4th January 2025 at IIT Indore, organized under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and cNarmada. The event brought together over 50 participants including faculty, researchers, and students to deliberate on the role of national and international standards in ensuring accurate, reliable, and safe water quality monitoring. With expert-led sessions from reputed institutions like IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, and BITS Hyderabad, the workshop explored challenges in wastewater treatment, the emergence of new contaminants, and the importance of crisis-time drinking water management. The interactive discussions emphasized the need for robust regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening India’s water quality governance.

Outcomes

  • Emphasized the importance of updating BIS standards (e.g., IS 10500:2012) to address emerging contaminants such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
  • Highlighted the need for regular monitoring and advanced treatment of landfill leachate and wastewater to prevent groundwater pollution.
  • Presented alternative drinking water supply strategies for crisis situations, aligning with the UN SDGs and India’s water security goals.
  • Stressed the role of public awareness and inter-agency coordination in strengthening water quality and safety standards.
  • Encouraged research-driven policymaking and stakeholder engagement for sustainable and resilient water management.