By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 3: In a revelation that could give rise to health concerns, 44 out of 46 water samples, collected from 46 localities of Shillong, were found to be unsafe for drinking following lab tests.
The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) collected the samples after the public had complained about the quality of water.
Some localities where the water was found to be unsafe include Oakland, Jail Road, Wahingdoh, Jaiaw Langsning, Lumdiengjri, Mawbah, Jhalupara, Dhankheti, Cleve Colony, Lumshyiap, Nongmensong, Laitumkhrah. The two localities where it was found to be safe are Mawblei and Demthring.
The samples were collected as per the ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ laid down by the State Food Testing Laboratory of the Commissionerate of Food Safety on August 22.
All samples were brought to the State Food Testing Laboratory, Commissionerate of Food Safety located at Pasteur Hills, Shillong for quality testing and complete analysis.
The report revealed that out of the 46 samples, 44 showed the presence of coliform and E. coli (Escherichia coli) organisms with low pH value, high turbidity and iron content above the prescribed limit.
“This clearly indicates that the water collected from these 44 localities and tested is unsafe as per FSSAI standards. Hence, continuous consumption of such water can be detrimental to human health,” FKJGP said in a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday.
The pressure group said the detection of low pH value in these water samples indicates that the water is acidic in nature. As per FSSAI standards, the normal pH value of drinking water ranges from 6.5 to 8.5, it said. “Below 6.5, the water is said to be acidic in nature. As per research, when acidic water passes through water pipes, it can corrode and damage them. If the pH of water is extremely low, it can even start to dissolve the copper from the metal pipes. If copper enters our drinking water, it can lead to kidney and/or liver damage,” the FKJGP said.
Stating that the presence of high iron content leads to an overload which can cause diabetes, hemochromatosis, stomach problems, nausea and damage healthy skin cells which may result in early onset of wrinkles, the FKJGP said high iron content can damage liver, pancreas, as well as heart.
The organisation urged the government to address this public concern at the earliest and take necessary steps to rectify the issue to ensure safe and clean drinking water to the people.