Over 37% water samples fail potability test in Muktsar

Situation worst in Alamwala block; 30 of 50 samples non-potable

Unfit for drinking

• Of the 275 water samples collected this year for testing, 103 samples have failed and only 172 cleared the potability test
• In Doda block, 22 water samples of 60 samples were found non-potable
• In Lambi block, which is Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s home turf, nine water samples of total 30 did not clear the test

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, December 3

As per records of the state Health Department, over 37% water samples taken from Muktsar district this year have failed to clear the potability test. The samples of underground and canal water (which was being used in schools, reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plants, waterworks, other public places and private eateries) were taken.

As per reports, of the total 275 water samples collected this year, 103 samples failed and only 172 cleared the potability test.

The situation is worst in Alamwala block where 30 samples of total 50 water samples failed to clear the potability test.

Similarly, in Doda block, 22 water samples of 60 samples were found non-potable. In Chak Sherewala block, 17 water samples of total 43 did not clear the potability test. In Lambi block, which is Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s home turf, nine water samples of total 30 did not clear the test. In Muktsar urban area, 16 water samples of total 65 were found non-potable. In Malout urban area, nine of total 27 water samples failed to clear the potability test.

Muktsar district is the worst affected from waterlogging and these test reports revealed that the TDS level of water was higher than permissible limit for human consumption.

“Though the exact count of TDS level is not shown in the reports, it is mentioned that the level was beyond the permissible limit,” said the officials of the Health Department, who are engaged in water sample collection. They said the water samples were sent for testing to Chandigarh.

It is pertinent to mention that Muktsar district has the state’s highest average of 136 cancer patients per one lakh people. Besides, nearly 1,100 people have lost their lives due to this deadly disease in the past around 10 years.

A senior official in the Health Department said, “If the water sample is found non-potable, all departments concerned are asked to adopt corrective measures. In some cases, the change of water source is also recommended.”

Dr Jagjivan Lal, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Muktsar, could not be contacted for his comments.

Courtesy: The Tribune