Ponda: The relentless monsoon rains in the catchment areas of the Khandepar and Kalem rivers have led to a significant rise in turbidity levels in the Khandepar River, as recorded on Thursday evening. The Opa waterworks reported a turbidity level of 141 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit), a substantial increase from the normal range of up to 50 NTU. To put this into perspective, water with a turbidity level of 1 NTU contains 1 mg of finely divided silica per litre.
Turbidity, which refers to the opaqueness or cloudiness of water, is a common occurrence during heavy rainfall. An official from the water division confirmed that despite the high turbidity levels, the water remains safe for consumption. “Water is released to consumers only after undergoing proper filtration at the Opa water treatment plant,” the official assured. This is the third instance during the current monsoon season where the Opa waterworks has recorded turbidity levels of 100 NTU or higher. Earlier, on June 8 and June 19, the turbidity levels were recorded at 100 NTU and 180 NTU, respectively. These elevated turbidity levels are a direct result of the heavy rains that have inundated the region.
High turbidity levels pose operational challenges for the Opa water treatment plant. The plant’s staff are required to clean the filters more frequently as they become clogged with particulate matter. This increased workload highlights the resilience and efficiency of the plant’s operations during the monsoon season. The persistent rainfall and subsequent rise in turbidity underscore the need for robust water treatment infrastructure capable of handling such fluctuations. The Opa waterworks’ ability to maintain water safety and quality, even under these challenging conditions, is a testament to the effectiveness of their filtration processes.
Looking ahead, the water division remains vigilant and prepared to manage the increased turbidity levels as the monsoon continues. The commitment to providing safe and clean drinking water to the public remains unwavering, despite the challenges posed by nature.