Hyderabad's water crisis is a complex issue that goes beyond the mere supply of treated water. While the city's municipal water network covers nearly 90% of its population, the reality is that safe drinking water is at risk in the last few meters of its journey to the consumer. A recent study, titled 'Source to Glass: Water Quality Risks in Hyderabad’s Low-Income Settlements', has revealed a critical gap in urban water management. The study found that while municipal tap water generally meets drinking water quality standards, it often becomes contaminated during household storage, exposing families to waterborne diseases.
Intermittent water supply is a major culprit in this scenario. Thousands of households are forced to store water for days to ensure availability when taps run dry. However, this practice, coupled with unsafe handling, prolonged storage, and poor hygiene practices, frequently leads to contamination. The study found that 73% of households draw water directly from storage containers using their bare hands, often without washing them, and that water is transferred between multiple containers or drawn using long pipes, increasing the risk of contamination. Extended storage further exacerbates the problem.
The issue of water safety awareness is also a significant concern. Around 67% of households judge water quality solely by its appearance, taste, smell, or color and skip treatment if it appears clean. Many switch to bottled water only after experiencing a waterborne illness or when infants are present at home. This lack of awareness and proper treatment practices contributes to the contamination of stored water.
The study recommends an uninterrupted water supply and the implementation of the WHO’s Water Safety Plans to reduce contamination risks from source to tap. As climate change worsens, water scarcity and extreme weather events will only make safe water supply and storage more critical. This issue is not just about ensuring access to water; it's about safeguarding public health and well-being.
In my opinion, the findings of this study should serve as a wake-up call for the city's water management authorities. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the supply of treated water but also the safe handling and storage practices of the end-users. By addressing these gaps, Hyderabad can ensure that its residents have access to safe drinking water, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving overall public health.
