Contaminated RO Water in GBS-Affected Pune Areas Raises Alarms
Contaminated RO Water in GBS-Affected Pune Areas Raises Alarms
Water samples from 20 privately operated Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in Guillain-Bar Syndrome (GBS)-affected areas of Pune have tested positive for Coliform bacteria, including E. coli, raising serious public health concerns.
These RO water samples, collected from jars and containers in areas like Dhayari, Nanded City, Sinhagad Road, and Shivane on January 28, were found contaminated at the PMC laboratory in Parvati.Residents, particularly at commercial establishments, rely heavily on RO water, believing it to be free from harmful pathogens.
Sold through pet jars and vending machines, RO water from private operators is widely consumed in households, eateries, shops, and marriage halls. However, the recent contamination findings have sparked fears over its safety.
PMC water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap called the situation alarming, stating that show-cause notices will be issued to the RO plant operators, demanding compliance with safety standards or immediate cessation of operations.
“They cannot resume water sales until subsequent tests confirm the water is safe for drinking,” he asserted.In addition to RO plants, samples from 15 private tankers supplying water to GBS-affected areas like Dhayari Gaothan, Nanded City, Sanas School Pumping Station, Malwadi, and Shiv Nagar were also found contaminated with Coliform and E. coli bacteria.
Notices have been served to tanker operators, and six suppliers have approached the civic body for guidance. Authorities are now training them on safe water handling, storage, and processing, alongside providing free bleaching powder for disinfection.
Strict action will follow non-compliance.Further compounding the issue, four water samples from Pimpri-Chinchwad have tested positive for contamination. These include stored drinking water in Pimpri and borewell water in Sahyognagar and Ganeshnagar.
Despite these findings, PCMC officials claim that all water sources in the twin city are safe and contamination-free.With rising GBS cases linked to contaminated water sources, the civic body has intensified monitoring and enforcement to safeguard public health across affected regions.
