The study examines the use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
for the estimation of the well being from drinking water using
‘commodities and capabilities’ approach. DEA uses the general purpose
linear programme version of the input oriented multi-input multi-output
model for the estimation taking state as the decision-making unit. The
transformation efficiency of the water characteristics into achieved
capabilities (free from morbidity rates of water borne diseases) shows
that Punjab has the least efficiency while Kerala and Orissa as the Paretoefficient
Peer states. The major reason for the input use efficiency in
Kerala may be due to the cultural practice of boiling drinking water
before consumption. In the case of Orissa, it can be attributed to better
hygienic water handling practices. One such indicator, taking water
from the storage containers using vessels with handles, is very high
among the households in Orissa.