Water contamination on a rise in Mumbai

As incessant rains brought respite to water-parched Mumbai, complaints of water contamination shot up in the city, civic officials have said.

According to the data available with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), of the 470 complaints on water contamination from June to August this year, 365 were attended.

In June, there were 114 complaints of contamination, the number shot up to 158 in July and then 198 in August, the data revealed.

Places from where maximum complaints of contamination were reported include Chandwadi, Abdul Rehman Street, Grant Road, Kalbadevi, Tardeo, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Cumballa, Byculla, Andheri, Oshwira and Malad.

Altogether 70 complaints were received from C ward followed by 60 complaints from K/west ward, 51 from D, 36 from R/central and 33 each from P/north and E ward.

"Complaints of water contamination are on rise due to sewage and water pipelines running parallel and as old pipelines are corroded it results into contamination," a civic official said.

BMC's Environmental Status Report (ESR) for the year 2009-2010 reveals high levels of impurities in drinking water.

According to the report, contamination level had risen from 13.80% in 2008-09 to 26.10% in 2009-2010.

BMC has undertaken water audit that would help in reducing water leakages and contamination of drinking water.

The audit will cost Rs4.5 crore.