Critical Review of Water Quality in Rajasthan: Regional Perspective on Human Health, Agriculture, Wildlife, and Environment

Abstract Rajasthan, a state of India, is dealing with significant water quality issues due to its dry climate, scanty rainfall, and contamination from industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes. Excess levels of physicochemical parameters contribute to groundwater contamination in Rajasthan. The study highlights the rainfall status of Rajasthan, chemical contaminants of water and its effect on human health, agriculture, wildlife and environment with seasonal and regional variations. The western and northern regions (average 291 mm annual rainfall) of Rajasthan experience much more serious water crises than southern, eastern, central regions (average 500–600 mm annual rainfall). Key issues of these five regions include elevated levels of fluoride, nitrates, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity and heavy metals that often exceed the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The over-reliance on groundwater has led to its depletion, with grave implications on both human health and the environment. High fluoride levels have caused widespread cases of dental and skeletal fluorosis, while nitrate contamination is linked to methemoglobinemia, commonly known as “Blue Baby Syndrome.” During dry seasons, over exploitation of water for domestic and agricultural purposes led to reduced water level and increase pollution of surface and groundwater. Current water management strategies need to be re-evaluated in addressing these issues, particularly in mitigating industrial pollution and agricultural runoff. The review emphasizes the need for sustainable water management practices, including remote sensing technologies, improved water infrastructure, and stricter regulatory frameworks to safeguard public health and promote long-term water security in the state.