Trust the tap? Not even RO water is safe in some parts of Mohali

Mohali: In a startling revelation, drinking water drawn from kitchen taps, reverse osmosis (RO) purifiers, and govt tubewells in Mohali was found unfit for consumption. Test reports generated by the State Public Health Laboratory, Kharar, confirmed the presence of Coliform bacteria in the samples, raising serious concerns over public health and water safety in the district.A total of 13 samples were collected — eight from rural Balongi, including household taps and govt school tubewells, and five from urban Kharar, including taps and RO units. Shockingly, all failed the safety test. The laboratory report stated that the samples were "confirmed for bacterial contaminations and are declared unfit for drinking."The test report suggests, "the water samples taken are confirmed for bacterial contaminations and are declared unfit for drinking.

Fresh samples may be taken." The report confirms the presence of Coliform bacteria.

Coliform bacteria are environmental organisms commonly found in the faeces of humans and animals. Their presence in drinking water is a red flag, suggesting possible contamination with dangerous pathogens that can cause severe gastrointestinal and waterborne diseases.Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal admitted to the failures but said immediate corrective measures were taken.

"Health teams are conducting surveys in the affected Balongi area. On Sept 5 and 6, 45 new water samples were collected, and all passed. Chlorination is being strictly monitored, awareness campaigns launched, and households are being guided on safe storage and hygiene," she said.While officials insist the fresh samples are safe, the revelations have exposed serious lapses in water quality monitoring. Follow-up sampling will continue, but until sustained safety is ensured, residents remain at risk from what should be the most basic right — safe drinking water.BOX Total houses covered | 325No of diarrhoea patients | 2Chlorine distribution | 500 ORS distribution | 350 MSID:: 123748454 413 |