Pune: Heavy rainfall and substantial water accumulation in the dam have resulted in a muddy water supply for Pune. The municipal administration claims to be taking necessary precautions and has advised citizens to boil and filter water before drinking.

Recent heavy rains have significantly raised water levels in the dam, bringing along soil and debris. Despite purification processes, the water remains somewhat muddy, causing concern among citizens. There is confusion about using this water due to fears of waterborne diseases.

Precautions Advised:

• Boil and cool drinking water before use.

• Avoid using water from unused wells for drinking.

• Clean underground water tanks.

• Maintain cleanliness around water tanks.

Reason for Muddy Water:

The heavy rainfall in the dam area has increased the turbidity of water entering purification centers. The new municipal water centers can handle water turbidity up to 150 NTU, while old centers manage up to 40 NTU. Post heavy rains, the dam water turbidity surged from 6 NTU to 300 NTU.

As of Saturday, the turbidity stabilized between 202 and 223 NTU. Though this exceeds the new centers' capacity, post-purification turbidity is below 5 NTU, within acceptable standards. Water from old centers has turbidity between 5 and 13 NTU, but remains 100% disinfected, says the water supply department.

Dr. Sagar Lodha stated, "Contaminated water can cause jaundice, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases. Currently, there are cases of chikungunya, dengue, and typhoid in the city, along with an increase in vomiting and diarrhea cases."

Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of the Water Supply Department stated, "The municipality is taking steps to ensure clean water supply, but as a precaution, citizens should boil and filter drinking water."

Mayuri Uke, citizen said, "For the past two to three days, muddy water has been coming from taps, causing confusion about its safety. We are buying bottled water and need the municipality to ensure clean water supply."