Hyderabad citizens are facing difficulties due to contaminated water after heavy rainfall. The water has a brownish color and people are concerned about potential health risks. They are urging the HMWSSB to find a permanent solution to this problem.
Many residents have stopped drinking HMWSSB water and are opting for mineral cans instead. They believe that sewage is seeping into the drinking water pipelines, causing contamination. The affected areas include Kukatpally, Jeedimetla, Musheerabad, Erragadda, Malkajgiri, Rasoolpura, Nizampet, Neredmet, and Bownepally.
Sunil from Jeedimetla has been receiving contaminated water for the past three days. The water is brownish and has a strong odor, making it undrinkable. Despite numerous complaints, the water board has not taken any action.
Mohan Rao from Bownepally stated that around 30 houses in his colony have been receiving water mixed with drainage/effluent for the past three days. Despite complaints, there has been no improvement in the situation. They now rely on water tankers for their needs.
A local resident from Neredmet complained about contaminated drinking water in the area that smells foul and cannot be used for any purpose. There have also been reports of people falling sick after consuming the contaminated water. People in various parts of the city are facing similar problems, but the authorities have not taken any action to address the issue.
According to BT Srinivasam, the general secretary of the Federation of Malkajgiri Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), this problem is common during the monsoon season. Increased inflows into drinking water sources due to incessant rain result in higher turbidity.
The HMWSSB has issued instructions in some localities and assured residents that they are treating the water before supplying it. However, many people are still avoiding the board water. It would be beneficial if the board collects water samples from each reservoir, tests them, and updates the results on their website.
A senior HMWSSB officer stated that they are taking measures to ensure the water is suitable for consumption. They are increasing the pH level and using poly aluminium chloride (PAC) to reduce turbidity. Recently, they informed resident welfare associations’ WhatsApp groups that boiled water can be consumed.
In conclusion, citizens in Hyderabad are facing problems due to contaminated water after heavy rainfall. They are concerned about the health risks and urging the authorities to find a permanent solution.
