Karnataka - Bidar   

1,053 of 1,075 water samples tested found to be potable

BIDAR: According to the District Surveillance Officer, Bidar, Anil Chintamani, 1,075 water samples were tested in the district in 2007, of which 1,053 samples were found to be potable.

Taluk-wise, Bidar had three water sources, Aurad had five, Humnabad had eight and Bhalki had six water sources that were non-potable. However, no non-potable water sources were found in Basavakalyan.

Mr. Chintamani said that non-potable water sources would be treated with chlorination and super-chlorination. The water source was then tested again to check if it was safe for consumption. “The problem of water-borne diseases begins in mid-summer and remains throughout the rainy season,” he said.

Mr. Chintamani said that in summer the groundwater level goes down resulting in water scarcity. Owing to this, people used other sources of water, which might be unsafe. The problem worsened during the rainy season since sewage from overflowing drains might mix with the water source and contaminate the water.

He said, “When we receive complaints regarding a disease outbreak in a particular place, we collect water samples from there to determine the cause.” Mr. Chintamani said that last year, out of a total of 26 suspected cholera cases, four persons tested positive for the disease. However, no cholera deaths were reported in the district.

Zilla panchayat member and chairman of Standing Committee on Health and Education Rajshekar Nagmurthy told The Hindu: “The supply of water to rural areas is hygienic and there have been no reports of contamination.”

Unsafe borewells hade been closed and extra care had been taken to ensure supply of safe drinking water to the residents, he added.

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