13% water samples show contamination in Karnataka

The Health and Family Welfare Department is now fearing the possibility of an outbreak of epidemic during the summer.

On Tuesday, the department disclosed that of the 3 lakh samples of drinking water sources tested recently across the state, about 40,000 were contaminated.

This also means that nearly 13% of the total samples drawn were found not fit for consumption. A large number of contaminated water sources are in Mysuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere and Haveri districts. Samples were taken from sources such as piped water supply, borewells and open wells.

Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader told reporters that the department tested quality of drinking water sources in February and March.

The local bodies, including gram panchayats, have been directed to frequently clean the drinking water tanks and take up chlorination as a precautionary measure, said Khader.

“Consumption of contaminated water will lead to cholera and gastroenteritis. The department has issued a special circular, explaining dos and dont’s. The epidemics spread fast in summer. We have to be very careful this year as we are experiencing extreme heat,” the minister added.