The water pollution in rural areas is caused due to discharge of domestic sewage directly or indirectly into water bodies, agricultural run-off during rainy season containing chemical fertilizers and pesticides and effluents from agro-based industries. As per information provided by the Department of Drinking Water Supply, the ground water in a total number of 1,79,999 habitations in 26 States have been found to be contaminated with fluoride, arsenic, iron, nitrate or salinity. Details are enclosed as annexure.