Tap water in Hyderabad undrinkable, says SEPA

WASA directed to fix filtration plant within 15 days, supply clean water

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a notice on Wednesday to the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) Hyderabad managing director on finding the city's tap water unfit for human consumption.

The notice reprimanded WASA for supplying poor quality water to Hyderabad's residents, after SEPA director-general Naeem Ahmed Mughal found two chambers out of six at the authority's dilapidated filtration plant inoperative during a visit.

Further, he discovered, the water was not being chlorinated either, and the water being supplied was injurious for drinkers, he added. It was also noted during the visit that though the plant's capacity was 50 million gallons per day (MGD), it was only filtering 30MGD.

When samples from the plant's discharge point were tested, the water was found to be unfit for human consumption.

A copy of the lab report was enclosed with the notice sent to WASA, which was directed to fix the malfunctioning plant within 15 days and provide safe, clean drinking water to Hyderabad's residents. WASA has also been asked to ensure the chlorination of water.

SEPA further warned WASA that its management would be responsible for any untoward incidents resulting from the water's consumption and legal action will be taken against it in case of non-compliance with SEPA's orders.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2020.