Pune is grappling with a crisis of muddy tap water, as heavy rains and increased water levels in dams have led to a noticeable degradation in water quality across the city. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has responded by issuing an advisory to the residents, urging caution as concerns mount over the safety of the water supply. The situation has forced many citizens to rely on packaged drinking water, as fears of waterborne diseases grow.
Residents from various parts of the city have reported receiving muddy water despite purification efforts. One resident from Uttamnagar shared their experience, stating, “For the past two or three days, we’ve been receiving muddy water. Even after boiling and filtering, it still looks dirty. We’re purchasing drinking water to ensure safety, especially for the elderly, as contaminated water can cause diseases.” Another resident from Warje expressed frustration, linking the issue to a broader range of problems exacerbated by recent floods. “This monsoon has brought numerous issues, including traffic and electricity problems, and now contaminated water. I believe the civic body’s lack of preparedness is at fault, not the weather. The water quality is so poor that I’ve had to send my children to school without bathing them, fearing skin issues and itching.”
A representative from the Water Supply Department of PMC explained the technical challenges faced by the civic body. “The heavy rains have significantly increased water turbidity, which our machinery can manage up to 150 NTU. However, recent levels have reached 200-300 NTU, surpassing our control capabilities, resulting in muddy water in taps. This situation is expected to persist for another week. We advise residents to use alum to settle mud and dirt particles and to boil water before use.” Health officials have warned that the consumption of contaminated water poses serious health risks, including jaundice, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases. They noted that the city is currently experiencing an uptick in cases of chikungunya, dengue, and typhoid, alongside an increase in incidents of vomiting and diarrhoea.
As Pune navigates this public health challenge, the PMC’s response and mitigation measures will be closely scrutinised. The situation highlights the critical importance of infrastructure readiness and the need for robust emergency response protocols, especially during monsoon seasons. The civic body’s advisory serves as a temporary measure, but long-term solutions will be essential to prevent future occurrences and safeguard the health of Pune’s residents.
