Chennai: Water samples from 612 places checked, 35 found unsatisfactory

CHENNAI: The wary Greater Chennai Corporation, in a move to parry away from the summer diseases, has intensified the sampling of drinking water in the city for past one month. According to Chennai Corporation officials, the civic body has collected water samples from as many as 612 spots in the city and found 35 samples as unsatisfactory.

“During the summer season, water-borne diseases will arise due to the large intake of water. Some people may be forced to drink unhygienic water and cold drinks,”one of the officials said.

The officials also added that diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, typhoid fever and others are prevalent during the hot season. “To prevent the outbreak of such diseases, we have intensified the water testing. Although the water samples are being tested periodically, the measure has been intensified now,” the official said.

The 612 samples were taken between March 15 and April 15 and were tested in Chennai corporation labs. “Of the 612 samples, 128 samples were taken from Tondiarpet zone and 73 samples from Anna Nagar zone. Mostly, the samples were taken from slum areas,” the official said. The samples were taken from taps, street pumps and even from water lorries.

The test results had suggested that 12 samples with excess chlorine and 23 samples with insufficient chlorination. “Usually test results would arrive within three days. So our officials had already told the metro water officials about the results and shortcomings are been attended immediately.

We also make records of such activities,” the official said. Four samples from Sholinganallur and three Valasaravakkam had contained excess chlorine and five samples from Anna Nagar and four from Teynampet had contained low chlorine. The officials also said the measures would be further intensified in forthcoming months.