AHMEDABAD: The state government had tested 6.30 lakh water samples between 2013-14 and 2017-18 and had found that 18.3% of them were not potable. Of the total samples, 4.3% had excess fluoride, 11.9% has excess nitrate, and 3.06% had excess TDS (total dissolved solids).
In its report for the year ending March 2018, the CAG stated that 78 habitations were checked during a verification drive and 188 water samples were tested. In all, 54 of the samples were found unfit for drinking due to chemical contamination. Of the 188 samples, 40 were collected from Rural Water Supply Schemes and eight were found to be contaminated.
The report stated that of the 54 unfit samples, 41 had fluoride and nitrate beyond permissible limits. Yet, the contaminated water was being used for drinking and cooking as the people in the area have no alternative sources.
The report stated that of the 6.30 lakh samples tested, the ones that had high levels of nitrate came from the districts of Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Banaskantha, Panchamahal and Vadodara. Samples that had high fluoride levels came from Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Banaskantha, and Kheda.
The report said the laboratories were to inform the authorities including the gram panchayats concerned about the results. Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board and WASMO (Water and Sanitation Management Organisation) were required to make gram panchayats aware of the health hazards of using contaminated water. They were also responsible for marking unsafe sources of water.
*Original article online at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/people-using-unsafe-water-for-drinking-cooking/articleshow/78323946.cms