Pune, Maharashtra – A stark revelation has emerged regarding the quality of water being dispensed through ‘water ATMs’ in Pune, with laboratory tests commissioned by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader indicating that the water sold at a nominal rate of Rs 1 per liter is unfit for human consumption. The findings raise significant public health concerns, particularly as the city braces for the summer season, a period often marked by water scarcity and increased reliance on alternative sources.
BJP Leader Arranges Tests, Reveals Contamination
Sandeep Khardekar, a prominent BJP leader, took the initiative to procure water samples from several ‘water ATMs’ in the Karve Nagar area and submitted them for independent laboratory testing. The results, which have since been communicated to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), reportedly indicated an absence of residual chlorine, a crucial disinfectant that ensures water safety. This lack of chlorine raises serious questions about the purification processes and the overall safety of the water being supplied to citizens at such an accessible price point.
The Chenab Times has learned that Khardekar has urged the PMC to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. He has specifically questioned whether private agencies are authorized to dispense water sourced from the municipal corporation’s natural resources. Furthermore, Khardekar highlighted the absence of ‘non-potable water’ signage at these water ATMs, a crucial indicator that would inform consumers about the water’s intended use and potential health risks. He stressed that the presence or absence of such signage determines responsibility in case citizens fall ill due to consuming the water.
PMC’s Own Tests Confirm Bacterial Contamination
Adding weight to the concerns raised by Khardekar, recent tests conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s own health department have also revealed alarming findings regarding water quality. According to reports from The Times of India, the PMC tested 30 samples collected from reverse osmosis (RO) plants, private vendors selling water jars, and water ATMs across various areas including Dhayari, Sinhagad Road, Kirkatwadi, Khadakwasla, and near Nanded City. The results indicated bacterial contamination far exceeding safe limits. Multiple samples showed a bacterial count of 16+ Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 ml, a measure used to estimate the presence of harmful bacteria such as coliforms and E. coli. For potable water, the ideal count is zero MPN, signifying the absence of any harmful bacteria.
The PMC official stated that nineteen samples from the RO plants exhibited coliform bacteria, with eleven of these samples showing the elevated 16+ MPN count. E. coli, a bacterium often associated with fecal contamination, was detected in fourteen of these samples. This contamination is particularly concerning as RO-purified water is generally expected to be free of such contaminants. The findings suggest potential hygiene lapses at the source or during the distribution process by private vendors who fill 20-liter jars and operate water ATMs, often relying on these RO plants as their primary source.
Broader Health Implications and Regulatory Gaps
The revelation of contaminated water being sold to the public comes at a critical time, with health authorities in neighboring Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) having previously taken stringent action against RO plants and water ATMs following a rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases. In February 2025, the PCMC sealed ten RO plants and seven water ATMs due to concerns over bacterial contamination, linking such facilities to public health risks. The presence of coliform and E. coli in drinking water can lead to various gastrointestinal illnesses and, in severe cases, neurological disorders like GBS, which affects the nervous system.
The situation underscores a potential gap in regulatory oversight concerning private water supply operations within Pune. While the PMC operates its own water supply system, which it claims to test rigorously with daily checks on 40 parameters and monthly reports to the state health laboratory, the regulation of private entities selling water, especially through self-service ‘water ATMs’, appears to be a complex challenge. The absence of clear signage about water potability and the potential for unauthorized sourcing of water by private operators are critical issues that the PMC needs to address urgently.
Call for Action and Citizen Vigilance
Mr. Khardekar has urged the PMC to conduct an immediate inquiry and take appropriate measures to prevent citizens from consuming non-potable water, thereby avoiding potential health issues. He emphasized that local civic water supply staff would be held accountable if any citizen suffers health complications due to the consumption of water from these ATMs. The PMC has been alerted to potential mismanagement at one of its own water-refilling centers near Patwardhanbaug, indicating a multi-faceted problem that requires comprehensive investigation.
As the monsoon season approaches and water demand escalates, the safety of drinking water sources, both municipal and private, becomes paramount. Citizens are advised to exercise caution and demand transparency from water suppliers. The findings serve as a critical reminder of the need for robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that basic necessities like safe drinking water are accessible to all, free from contamination and potential exploitation.
The Chenab Times News Desk