Potable water a cause of concern in South zone as it tops the number of unfit samples
Maximum number of water samples collected randomly by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) from city were found to be unfit for consumption during monsoon.
"We randomly collect samples from source and from end-user level. This is a weekly exercise. Also, whenever we found diarrhoea, typhoid or other water-borne diseases, we take water samples from such places," said Dr Bhavin Solanki, in-charge medical officer of health, AMC.
Dr Hiren Mandalia, scientist in-charge of AMC, said, "For water, MPN test ensures whether it is for consumption or not in terms of bacteria present in it."
A total of 1,610 water samples were found to be unfit out of the samples collected from January to September. In June, the civic body had collected 4,348 water samples out of which 223 were found to be unfit. While in July, authorities had taken 4,272 samples out of which 267 were declared unfit. In August, AMC had sampled 3,953 units against which it found 275 water samples to be unfit.
Now, consider these with January when out of 3,551 samples only 102 were found to be unfit. In September, 175 water samples were found to be unfit for consumption out of a total of 3,701 samples.
Maximum 29% samples were unfit in South zone
Maximum water samples that failed the test were from South zone. A total of 1,610 water samples were found to be unfit out of the samples collected from January to September. Out of these, 468 samples were from south zone, which is 29% of the total unfit samples. Southern areas like Behrampura, Danilimda, Lambha and Vatva always report higher number of water-borne diseases than other zones. "In areas like Danilimda and Behrampura, many pipeline networks are too old. We are working to replace them," said Dr Tejas Shah, deputy health officer of south zone AMC.
No Chlorine in water during monsoon
The sample taken during monsoon had nil chlorine content as compared to other months. "Chlorine is naturally present in water. Non-availability of chlorine in water increases chances of bacteria infection. When no chlorine is found in water, we provide additional chlorine tablets and powder," said Dr Tejas Shah, deputy health officer of south zone, AMC.
EXPERT SPEAK
During monsoon, there are high chances of drainage water overflow. This is very common and that’s why water samples taken during monsoon have higher unfit ratio than other months.
—Dr Bhavin Solanki, officer of health, AMC.
AMC collects water samples to check bacteria-level. We follow the Most Probable Number method as per the Bureau of Indian Standards to estimate the concentration of viable micro-organisms.
—Dr Hiren Mandalia, scientist in-charge of AMC.
If physical quality of water is not fit, meaning hardness and TDS level, it may lead to diseases regarding bones. Bacteria in water can lead to water-borne diseases like jaundice and typhoid.
—Dr Pravin Garg, senior physician.
Areas like Lambha in south zone, added to the AMC, has its population depending on private borewells. Most are very shallow and have a depth of 60 to 70 feet and thus the water is not potable.
—Dr Tejas Shah, deputy health officer of south zone, AMC
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Maximum 29% samples were unfit in South zone
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