Pune Water Crisis: Why Are Citizens Being Asked To Boil Drinking Water?
Pune Water Crisis: Why Are Citizens Being Asked To Boil Drinking Water?
Pune, May 27, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has appealed to residents in several parts of Pune to boil and filter tap water before using it for drinking purposes, following repeated complaints about yellow-coloured water being supplied in multiple areas of the city.
Localities such as Dhanori, Tingrenagar, Vishrantwadi, Yerawada, Vadgaon Sheri and Nagar Road have reportedly witnessed discoloured water flowing through taps over the last few days, prompting concern among citizens over water quality and hygiene.
According to civic officials, water supplied to these regions is sourced from the Bhama Askhed Dam and treated at PMC’s purification facility located in Kuruli before being distributed across residential areas.
Civic Body Explains the Cause Behind Discoloured Water
PMC authorities said the issue has been caused by a mix of declining reservoir levels, recent untimely rainfall and a sudden increase in algae formation in the water source.
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Nandkishore Jagtap, head of the PMC water supply department, stated that the problem became more noticeable after rainfall in the Bhama Askhed Dam catchment area earlier this month. He explained that the colour intensity of untreated water has risen sharply due to changing environmental conditions.
Officials noted that the colour measurement of raw water, which earlier remained between 5 and 10 Hazen units, has now increased to nearly 30 to 40 Hazen units because of algae growth and reduced water levels in the reservoir.
They further said that even after treatment, it takes time for the yellowish tint to completely disappear from storage tanks, pipelines and the distribution network connected to the affected areas.
PMC Assures Water Is Safe After Proper Precautions
Despite the discolouration, PMC has clarified that the water is safe for consumption if residents boil and filter it before use. Officials said water samples tested so far have shown no signs of bacterial contamination.
Authorities added that chlorine levels and other chemical components in the water currently meet prescribed safety standards.
To improve water quality, the civic administration has increased alum dosing at the purification plant in an effort to reduce the yellow tint. According to PMC officials, the colour level has already come down significantly and is expected to improve further in the coming days.
The administration estimates that it may take around three to four days for the water supply system to fully clear out the discolouration from storage tanks and pipelines.
Repairs and Inspections in Progress
PMC officials also revealed that some complaints were linked to faults in the local distribution system rather than the treatment plant itself. Inspection and repair work is currently underway in affected neighbourhoods to identify damaged pipelines and improve water supply conditions.
Meanwhile, residents have been advised not to consume tap water directly and to report any unusual smell, colour or impurities in the supply to PMC authorities immediately.
The advisory comes amid fluctuating weather conditions in Pune, including unexpected rainfall and rising temperatures, which officials say have affected reservoir quality and water treatment operations in certain parts of the city.
