The Central Ground Water Board generates groundwater quality data at a regional scale through its monitoring programme and scientific studies conducted under an approved Standard Operating Procedure. Current assessments indicate that groundwater across the country remains largely potable, with contamination confined to isolated pockets.

According to the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025, fluoride levels at all 16 monitored locations in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh fall within the BIS permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal initiative, all rural habitations in Katni now have access to safe drinking water, with no quality-affected areas remaining.

Groundwater in Panna and in Khajuraho (Chhatarpur district) has been assessed for fluoride, arsenic and nitrate, with district-wise contamination details provided separately.

While water is a State subject, the Central Government supplements State efforts through multiple initiatives. CGWB continues to expand and refine groundwater quality monitoring, recently adopting an updated Standard Operating Procedure to enable more frequent and denser sampling in vulnerable regions. Quality data is shared regularly through annual reports, bulletins and alerts to support timely action.

Under the National Aquifer Mapping Programme, groundwater quality is a key focus area. Jal Jeevan Mission has transformed rural water supply by mandating BIS:10500 standards for tap water quality and establishing a network of more than 2,180 water-testing laboratories. States and Union Territories have been advised to install community water purification plants as an interim measure in quality-affected habitations.

Artificial recharge and conservation activities are also being implemented under national programmes such as Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, Atal Bhujal Yojana, PMKSY and MGNREGS. Measures to address surface-water pollution—including sewage treatment, effluent management and strengthened sewage networks—contribute to preventing groundwater contamination. Efforts under the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the National River Conservation Plan continue to improve water quality along major river stretches.