Listen to Story Delhi's groundwater is high in salt content, according to a report by the Central Ground Water Authority. One out of four groundwater samples taken from the capital city had very high electric conductivity (EC), and more than 25% of water samples analysed in Delhi are saline. This is second only to Rajasthan, where 30% of the samples were found to be saline .
HOW DOES HIGH SALT WATER LEAD TO KIDNEY PROBLEMS? The national electric conductivity average is 6%, representing conductivity higher than 3,000 micro siemens per centimetre. The permissible range of electric conductivity for groundwater is between 750 and 3,000 units at 25 degrees Celsius. However, when the EC is more than 3,000 units, then it becomes unsuitable for drinking, causing several diseases, including kidney-related problems .
"Salt (sodium) is one of the major constituents of the fluid balance in the body. If you have a high salt intake, your body will retain more water to dilute the salt concentration. This can give you elevated blood pressure which has a negative effect on your kidneys," said Dr Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
The permissible range of electric conductivity for groundwater is between 750 and 3,000 units at 25 degrees Celsius. (Photo: AFP) High sodium intake can cause the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and blood pressure. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste effectively.
Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Executive Director, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi, explained, "High salt content increases the amount of calcium in the urine, which can combine with oxalates or phosphates to form kidney stones. These can block the urinary tract and cause severe pain and kidney damage." When salt intake in the body is excessively high, it potentially causes chronic kidney disease , in which the kidneys become overworked trying to filter out excess sodium.
ARE THERE HIGH CASES OF KIDNEY PROBLEMS IN DELHI? The prevalence of kidney problems in Delhi is significantly higher compared to most other regions in the country, according to Dr Khirbat. The report stated that more than 25% of water samples analysed in Delhi are saline. (Photo: PTI) He explained, "Drinking water can be of poor quality in Delhi and its surroundings.
The water, at certain places, may have more heavy metals and minerals, hence might increase the risk of developing kidney problems." Besides water, lifestyle choices like long working hours, unhealthy diets, and high stress levels, are causing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in Delhi - all risk factors for kidney problems . Air pollution has always "remained a negative influence on health".
"The functioning of the kidneys is affected as pollutants destroy kidney cells, leading to chronic kidney disease," added Dr Khirbat. The delay in diagnosis also lies in the lack of awareness about its signs and symptoms. According to Dr Gulati, one of the reasons why Delhi's groundwater could have high salt content is because of wastewater discharge from industries, particularly those involved in mining, chemical production, or salt extraction, which can introduce high levels of salt into groundwater systems.
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