Chennai: A study conducted by IIT-Madras has revealed that a staggering 75% of households in the city have groundwater contaminated with E. coli, a bacteria that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The contamination affects even families using water purification systems, putting thousands, especially children, at risk.
The study, which was part of IIT’s People’s Water Data initiative, tested 752 houses across the city, inspecting pipelines, borewells, and water containers. The researchers collected drinking water samples and found E. coli present in the majority of them.
Chennai’s water quality in question: IIT- Madras study reveals alarming truth
According to Suzanne Kagan from Tel Aviv University, one of the course coordinators of the Water Quality Program at IIT Madras, even those using water purifiers cannot escape the contamination. “People are drinking water contaminated with E. coli without knowing it, thinking it’s clean,” she warned.
The study identified old, dirty water infrastructure and poor maintenance as primary sources of disease-causing bacteria. E. coli enters drinking water through groundwater contaminated with fecal matter. This has serious implications for public health, particularly for children.
The data shows that 75% of affected families have children who drink contaminated water. Furthermore, 58% of children under the age of five drink water directly from taps, while 15% drink from treated water systems. However, none of these water sources meet safety standards.
A recent survey found that 48% of households rely on tap water for drinking, while 33% use water purifiers. Despite this, 73% of households with treatment systems rate their water quality as good, whereas only 31% of households without treatment do so.
Experts emphasize the need for greater awareness and adherence to World Health Organization guidelines to ensure safe drinking water. They said Chennai Corporation must take immediate action to inspect sewage pipes, prevent wastewater mixing with groundwater, and ensure regular water quality testing.
