Tap water in many parts of the Capital is fit for drinking without further filtration, says a recent study conducted by a consumer rights’ group.
The use of reverse osmosis (RO) units and other water purifiers is popular in the National Capital Region, but according to Consumer Voice, which studied samples from 23 locations, many parts of the city can drink straight from the tap.
About two months ago, samples were taken from Katwaria Sarai, Bhogal, Vasundhara Enclave, Ganesh Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Gole Market, Old Rajendra Nagar, Pitampura QU Block, Mayur Vihar, R.K. Puram, Sarita Vihar, Naraina, Panchsheel, Basant Enclave, Saraswati Vihar, Vikaspuri, Pitampura MU Block, Rohini, Model Town and Dwarka in Delhi, and two places in Ghaziabad and one in Faridabad.
As per the report released on Monday, the total bacterial count in Dwarka, Rohini (Sector 8) and Model Town was found to be high, which could lead to stomach infections.
Water samples from Dwarka, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, meanwhile, had a high total dissolved solids (TDS) count, which could have possible medical implications.
“There were reports of dirty water around the city so we decided to check the quality of water in taps. We were pleasantly surprised to find that most places had perfectly clean drinking water supplied by the Delhi Jal Board,” said Ashim Sanyal, COO of Consumer Voice.
However, the water supplied in Ghaziabad was found to be dangerous for human consumption.
“People’s health there is at stake as contaminated water is being supplied,” said Mr. Sanyal.
The group also said that Delhiites were using RO units unnecessarily in many areas.
“Many of the areas don’t need to use ROs. A simple candle filtration system will do,” said Professor Sri Ram Khanna, one of the managing trustees of Consumer Voice.
The DJB, which supplies drinking water through its piped network and tanker service, was not surprised by the result.
“We have been saying for years that our water is fit for drinking without further purification. We conduct daily and random testing to ensure that water is up to international standards,” said a DJB official.
Activist and water conservationist Rajendra Singh said he agreed with the findings of the study.
“Delhi largely gets clean drinking water, but due to commercial interests the companies that manufacture the water purification systems push their machines. They play on the fears of the public,” said Mr. Singh.
