Pune: In a concerning discovery, water samples from 79 locations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have been found contaminated and unfit for drinking, according to a State Health Laboratory investigation. The tests were conducted following the outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune, which led authorities to collect 312 water samples from affected areas.
The GBS outbreak in Pune, particularly in the Nandedgaon region, prompted authorities to examine water quality. The highest number of samples were collected from Khadakwasla, which supplies drinking water to Pune.
The State Health Laboratory conducted chemical and biological tests on samples between January 21 and March 13. Out of 312 samples, 79 were found to be unsafe for consumption. As the GBS outbreak subsided by late February, the laboratory halted further water testing after March 13.
Areas Affected by Contaminated Water
The contaminated water sources belong to areas under:
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)
Newly merged villages under PMC
Khadakwasla Dam and surrounding areas
Water contamination was detected in a range of sources, including:
Untreated water from Khadakwasla Dam
Well water in Khadakwasla
Borewells in Dhayari, Tathawade, Talawade, and Dighi
Household tap water in Kalewadi, Wakad, Moshi, Thergaon, and Narhe
RO plant water from Sant Tukaram Nagar and Dhayari
Jar water from Anand Nagar, Manikbag, and Wadgaon Budruk
Health Risks Due to Contaminated Water
According to Vinod Phale, Deputy Director of the State Health Laboratory, several samples tested positive for E. coli and coliform bacteria, both of which can cause serious health problems if consumed. These bacteria are known to cause gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases.
