What are the definitions of Drinking Water in our laws and policies?

BIS Water Standards 2004:

BIS Water Standards 2012:

     Spot the difference between the two standards. The 2012 standards mention “(treated or untreated)”. What does that mean? How does one interpret that?

The 1999 groundwater regulation act defines “drinking water purpose” as follows:

     This definition, in the groundwater regulation act of 1999, is the most liberal. It includes livestock as well. The 2011 groundwater regulation act is watered down and does not even mention “drinking water purpose”.

Right to safe water for Animals:

     In the rural areas, livestock drink groundwater. Because of microbial contamination of groundwater, livestock that drink contaminated water fall sick often and are constantly dewormed. This is the case in the Vrishabhavaty and Arkavathy Valley in Kanakapura Taluk. In and around, Byramangala, the state of livestock is pathetic. Ground water is as contaminated as the frothing surface water of Byramangala Tank. No livestock survive here without deworming.

     With such widespread contamination of both ground water and surface water, when will we think of safe water for livestock and wild animals in our policies. When there is serious lack of safe water for humans, who cares for livestock and wildlife?