12. Guidelines observed by Alacrity

Potable water: The formulation of two standards for potability by no less a body than the WHO is only a reflection of the gap existing in the world today between what is desirable and what is feasible. Therefore, it is inevitable that in the situation pertaining to Chennai (Madras), Alacrity has to use the less-stringent permissible limits of the WHO standards for deciding on the potability of water from a captive source in any of its complexes. Water whenever supplied by Alacrity in tankers to any complex is drawn from an aquifer on the Mahabalipuram Road belt rich in ground water. Such water may vary in dissolved salt content from one supplier to another, but this will be within the permissible limits. Before drinking, it is advisable to boil such water or disinfect it using chlorine, or through any other suitable method. Some of our complexes, after hand over, may be compelled to procure water in tankers. Such complexes would be well advised to have the supplier standardise on one or two sources only, and to have an occasional analysis done on the water so supplied. Water for bathing: Given the inadequate supply of treated water in Chennai (Madras), the use of highly mineralised water for bathing purposes often becomes inevitable. As stated earlier, standards on water for bathing purposes are not available. Alacrity, therefore, had sought the views of several experienced doctors on the possible deleterious effects on the skin, hair and eyes of using such water. The gist of their opinion is: No harmful effects are likely, as otherwise on a matter as vital as this in the developing countries, standards would have been established by now. No harmful effects have been recorded from bathing in different types of ponds/tanks/lakes/rivers for religious or recreational reasons. In several of Alacrity’s own complexes, the residents over the last several years have used water varying in quality from slightly brackish to saline for bathing without any apparent ill-effects. Besides, fishermen spending half their waking hours in highly saline water do not seem to be affected by such exposure. We would, therefore, in the light of all this, venture to suggest that the fears of contracting skin diseases or losing hair due to use of saline water for bathing are unfounded.