Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued a public advisory urging residents to boil their drinking water. This precautionary measure comes amidst ongoing heavy rainfall, which has led to increased water levels in the dam and heightened concerns about potential contamination. The AMC’s advisory underscores the importance of boiling water to mitigate the risk of water-borne diseases despite the extensive treatment processes applied at its three water treatment plants.
The advisory follows the substantial inflow into the Sardar Sarovar Dam due to incessant rains. The AMC supplies water from the Narmada Canal to approximately 25 lakh households, affecting about 80 lakh residents. Although the water undergoes rigorous treatment at the Kotarpur, Jaspur, and Raska plants before distribution, the unprecedented rise in dam water levels raises concerns about possible contamination from external sources, including carcasses and other impurities that might infiltrate the water supply.
City Engineer of the AMC’s Water Resource Management division explained that while the treatment facilities ensure high standards of water quality, the current situation necessitates extra caution. “The continuous rise in water levels at the Sardar Sarovar Dam increases the likelihood of contamination. Therefore, we have recommended that residents boil their water as an added precaution against potential water-borne diseases,” he stated. The advisory highlights the critical need for residents to follow safety guidelines, given the temporary lapse in the usual purification processes. As Ahmedabad grapples with the aftermath of heavy rains, the AMC’s measure aims to safeguard public health and prevent any possible outbreaks of water-borne illnesses. The situation remains under close monitoring, with authorities committed to updating the public as conditions evolve and ensuring the continued safety of the city’s water supply.
