Amidst rising concerns about turbid water supply, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a precautionary advisory to Mumbai residents. The civic body has requested citizens to filter and boil their water before consumption to ensure its safety. This advisory comes after several complaints regarding turbid water supply were received from various areas in the eastern suburbs and the island city.
The BMC attributed the issue to the heavy rainfall experienced in the catchment area of the Bhatsa reservoir over the past few days. This prolonged rainfall has led to an increase in the turbidity of water in the river channel, causing a change in the water quality.
“The Hydraulic Engineering Department is diligently working to address the issue by undertaking necessary measures at the water treatment plant to reduce turbidity levels,” stated the BMC in a press release. “Furthermore, adequate chlorine treatment is being administered to ensure the water is clean and pure enough for consumption.”
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water, caused by the presence of suspended particles such as sediment, plankton, or organic by-products. As turbidity levels rise, the water becomes denser and less clear due to the increased concentration of these light-blocking particles.
Mumbai’s water supply is primarily sourced from seven lakes, including the crucial Bhatsa reservoir. The recent heavy rainfall, which has lashed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and adjoining areas, has significantly impacted the city’s water quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Thane and Palghar districts, predicting heavy rainfall on Sunday. An orange alert was also issued for Raigad on the same day. A yellow alert was in place for several Maharashtra districts, including Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and others on October 20 and 22. The IMD attributed the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure area, a cyclonic circulation, and a trough over the Arabian Sea.
“The interaction between the easterlies and westerlies is causing the rain,” explained an official from the IMD. “We expect the rainfall to cease in Mumbai after this spell.” The BMC remains committed to ensuring the safe and clean water supply to Mumbai’s residents and continues to monitor the situation closely. The civic body will update the public with any further developments and advisories as needed.