The Ministry of Jal Shakti addressed concerns regarding water quality under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4744 on August 21, 2025. The JJM, launched in August 2019, aims to provide potable tap water of prescribed quality and in adequate quantity to rural households in partnership with states/UTs, including Uttar Pradesh. As per existing guidelines, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):10500 is the benchmark for water quality supplied through piped schemes. While drinking water supply is a state subject, the Government of India supplements state efforts with technical and financial assistance. States/UTs can allocate up to 2% of JJM funds for water quality monitoring, including lab setup and awareness programs. The JJM Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal facilitates state/UT water quality testing, reporting, and monitoring, with data available publicly. India has 2,811 water quality testing labs accessible to the public at nominal rates. A handbook released in December 2024 guides states/UTs on monitoring piped drinking water quality, recommending testing at source, treatment plant, storage, distribution points and household levels to ensure prescribed quality, including in Bareily, Badaun, and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Entities Referenced
Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): A government initiative to provide potable tap water supply to rural households.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India where the quality of water supply is being discussed.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):10500: The standard adopted as benchmark for the quality of water supplied through piped water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Bareily, Badaun and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh: Specific districts in Uttar Pradesh where water quality is being monitored under the JJM.
SHRI V. SOMANNA: Minister of State for Jal Shakti.
JJM Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS): A portal that enables States/UTs to test, report, and monitor drinking water quality.
Har Ghar Jal: A component of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) focused on providing tap water to every household.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4744
ANSWERED ON 21/08/2025
QUALITY OF WATER SUPPLY IN UTTAR PRADESH
† 4744. SHRI NEERAJ MAURYA :
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has issued a new work procedure for the States regarding regular
testing and improvement measures with a view to ensure quality of water supplied under the
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures taken / being taken by the Government to ensure the quality of the water
supplied to households under JJM in Bareily, Badaun and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar
Pradesh?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI V. SOMANNA)
(a) to (c) The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, was launched in August 2019, in
partnership with States/ UTs including Uttar Pradesh to make provision of potable tap water
supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural
households. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian
Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied
through the piped water supply schemes. Drinking Water being a State subject, the
responsibility of Planning, Designing, Approval, Implementation, Operation & Maintenance
of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is vested with
State/UT Governments. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by
providing technical and financial assistance.
States/UTs can use up to 2% of JJM funds for water quality monitoring activities, including
lab setup, equipment, and awareness programs. The JJM – Water Quality Management
Information System (WQMIS) portal enables States/UTs to test, report, and monitor drinking
water quality. State/UT-wise water quality test details are available in public domain. India has
2,811 water quality testing labs, accessible to the public at nominal rates. A handbook on
monitoring piped drinking water quality was released in December 2024 to guide states/UTs,
recommending comprehensive testing at source, treatment plant, storage and distribution points
including household levels to ensure that the water supplied to households is of prescribed
quality including in Bareily, Badaun and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
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