The water in the reservoir has a high concentration of organic particles, including iron, which when treated with chlorine for purification, gives it a yellowish tinge.
After assurances that the yellow-coloured water flowing from taps in western suburbs and parts of island city is fit for consumption failed to enthuse citizens, the civic body on Tuesday decided to stop drawing water from Upper Vaitarna dam.
The water in the reservoir has a high concentration of organic particles, including iron, which when treated with chlorine for purification, gives it a yellowish tinge.
The hydraulic department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) draws water from Upper Vaitarna to maintain the level of Modaksagar dam. Since the past few days, the BMC has diverted the flow of Vaitarna river for the repair work at middle Vaitarna dam, which could have increased the concentration of dissolved organic materials.
“The civic body stopped lifting water from between Vaitarna river and Modaksagar from today. This measure will give respite to the city from the yellowish tinge. But it will take one or two days,” said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.
“Though the water has a yellowish tinge, it is fit for consumption. The BMC has tested the samples in its own laboratory. Now the hydraulic department has asked for guidance from the Indian Institute of Technology and Mumbai University’s department of chemical technology. The BMC has informed them about the problem and has asked for help. We are also conducting regular laboratory tests on the water and have found it fit for drinking,” Mhaiskar said.
On Tuesday, corporators from across party lines asked the civic administration to stop the supply of yellowish water or find a solution. Rajhans Singh, opposition leader in the civic body, was the first to raise the issue. “The city is facing water cuts due to technical work on the tunnels. In addition, citizens are getting yellowish water. The administration has to explain what is being done to prevent this,” he said. Ashish Shelar, BJP leader in the BMC, during the discussion on the issue demanded an extra laboratory for water testing.
Mhaiskar said the administration is seriously considering the proposal.
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