Mud content and dust particles in drinking water being supplied by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is worrying lakhs of residents in the city. In addition, 32 residential areas are also affected by excess fluoride.

GVMC officials and geology scientists from the Andhra University also admitted fluoride deposits and impurity of water. Sources said that the GVMC was not regularly inspecting water supply sources and filter beds.

Drinking water is contaminated with drain water in case of leakages during road-widening and underground drainage works, etc.

According to experts, the normal range of drinking water is supposed to have 5-10 NTU (nephro turbidity units), and the ideal fluoride level is 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per litre (mgpl). Anything above this leads to various diseases.

Fluoride-related diseases affect the kidneys and teeth. According to geologists, the presence of fluoride to the tune of 7.5 mgpl was found in Jaggayyapa-lem, between 1.42-1.5 mgpl in Godlavanipalem, be-sides Gajuwaka, Madhurawada, Simhacha-lam and Sheela Nagar in the GVMC limits.

The GVMC has received several complaints against fluoride deposits in the 69th and 72nd wards. Officials maintain that they have been taking alternative steps like supplying water through tankers. While admitting mud in GVMC drinking water, GVMC deputy floor leader from the Telugu Desam and 51st ward corporator Kona Tatarao told this correspondent that their party had been fighting against the impurity of water and fluoride content for the last seven years.

GVMC authorities told them that nearly Rs.70 crore was spent on drinking water supply and erection of separate pipelines to 32 fluoride-affected areas, but to no avail, he added.