A non-profit organisation, Janaagraha recently conducted a survey of water quality in houses around the city, coming out with some shocking results.
Going by their findings, 72 per cent of water samples collected across all wards showed water contamination. There were only 2 wards that showed zero contamination as compared to 15 wards that showed 100 per cent water contamination.
The initial research methodology used was a set of questions related to water supply, asked to randomly chosen households in each ward. the questions included source of water, method of delivery, continuity of supply, and alternate sources.
After the questionnaire, the surveyors collected 20 ml sample of water from the respective household in a Bacteriological Field Test Vial. This water had to be untreated and unfiltered, and collected from the kitchen sink. If a household had two taps, the surveyors took the water from the tap that gets BWSSB or corporation water. Once this was done, the sample was stored for a 48-hour period, after which it turned black or stayed clear, indicating bacteriological contamination.
Jonali, resident of Purva Riveira in Marathahalli thought that the methodology of testing water for bacteriological contamination was very critical. She stated, “We have an RO system, which we had to install because we found out that normal boiling does not kill the bacteria. This is something all citizens should be aware of. Bacteriological contamination is a good test of potability."
Ambujakshi, resident of Maruti Nagar slum area said, "I am a panchayat member and most of our discussions are on water. We don't get corporation water and depend on borewell water. Also, we rely on the `5 cans of Bisleri water.”
Vidya, principal of My School in Shanthinagar said, "The water is horrible at the school. Sometimes, it is blue or purple. There is a cloth dyeing factory just next door, and their waste water runs into our water supply. We purchase drinking water for the children. There have been several incidents of waste water getting into our water supply. I have written many letters to the BWSSB but they just send someone out to clean the sump or the tank nearby, but it is only temporarily solution to the problem."
But then those living in the nearby slum have no such luxury, but to suffer. This is what some of the residents had to say. Mamta, a resident of KR Puram slum area said, “Sometimes it's once a month. We're struggling a lot. Now we're getting Cauvery water, but it comes on one side of the road and not on the other. If they supply water, then they should supply everywhere. Water is our biggest problem."