With over 79 per cent water samples failing the potability test in Muktsar district in the past seven months, getting clean drinking water is becoming a major problem for local residents.
Data procured from the Health Department revealed that 58 of the 73 water samples collected from January to July have failed the potability test.
A perusal of the records further revealed that in January, 10 samples were lifted and all were found potable. However, in February, just four of the 15 samples were found potable; in April, just one of 10 samples; and in June, none of the 38 water samples collected was found potable. However, in March, May and July, no water sample was lifted.
Underground source sealed
When a sample fails the test, we seal the underground source of water. Further, chlorination is done in water storage tanks. We also do re-sampling after some time. —Dr Vikram Asija, District epidemiologist
Dr Vikram Asija, district epidemiologist, Muktsar, said: “The samples are lifted from public places, including schools and reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plants. But schools were shut during this period, so the sampling decreased. However, when a sample fails the potability test, we inform the department concerned and also seal the underground source of water. Further, chlorination is done in water storage tanks. We also do re-sampling after some time to check the quality of water.”
Notably, the total dissolved solids level in water is also high in some parts of the district, which is unfit for consumption by humans and animals. However, a detailed survey has not been done over the past many years. A number of residents also complained of sewage contamination in water supply.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/79-water-samples-fail-potability-test-in-muktsar-299110