Pune: ‘Water ATM’ in Karvenagar Found Supplying Unsafe Drinking Water, PMC Report Raises Alarm
Pune: ‘Water ATM’ in Karvenagar Found Supplying Unsafe Drinking Water, PMC Report Raises Alarm
Pune, April 29, 2026: A civic inspection has flagged serious health concerns after a “Water ATM” in Karvenagar was found to be dispensing water that may be unsafe for consumption, according to a report by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The facility, located in the Shaheed Mitra Mandal area of Karvenagar, is widely used by students due to its low cost charging ₹1 per litre and ₹5 for 10 litres. With Karvenagar being a major student hub, hundreds rely on the unit daily for what is advertised as purified drinking water.
Concerns were raised about water quality, prompting a complaint to the PMC’s water supply department. Following this, water samples were collected on April 27 on the instructions of officials and sent for laboratory testing.
Preliminary findings have raised red flags. Tests revealed that the water lacked residual chlorine an essential element used to prevent bacterial contamination indicating a potential health risk.
The report also noted unusual readings in water hardness levels. While municipal drinking water typically records around 25 parts per million (PPM), the samples from the ATM showed significantly lower levels between 10 and 13 PPM.
Officials suspect that the water supplied by the unit may not be sourced from the municipal network and could be drawn from an unauthorised source such as a borewell.
The findings have triggered concerns about public health, especially among students who depend on the facility. Local leaders have demanded accountability, questioning who would be responsible if the contaminated water leads to illness.
Further action from civic authorities is awaited.
