SC Calls For Measures To Improve Delhi Water Quality After BIS Raises Concerns [Read BIS Report]

The Supreme Court on Friday requested the Bureau of Indian Standards to suggest measures to improve the quality of water supplied in Delhi.

This was after the BIS submitted an affidavit stating that the pipe water supply in Delhi was not conforming to the required ISO standards.

It was submitted by Advocate Vipin Nair on behalf of BIS that almost all samples taken from the 11 separate customer end source in Delhi were not conforming to the required ISO standard relating to water purity in piped domestic water supply in Delhi.

The report submitted by BIS stated "It was found that all the drinking water samples drawn from Delhi were non-conforming in on or more requirements as per IS 10500-2012(specification for drinking water)"

Each sample taken was of about 100 litres. Testing was done at 2 reputed nationally accredited laboratories, one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi.  Water purity testing was done under an integrated scheme for 22 cities in India.

Most of the samples were afflicted with Coliform contamination which occurs when faecal matter gets mixed with treated water. Consumption of such water can lead to gastro-intestinal for consumers.  

The BIS submitted report in pursuance of the direction passed by a bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta on January 13 with respect to water quality in Delhi.

Based on the contents of the report, the bench deputed another joint inspection with Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Jal Board and requested BIS to submit suggestions for improving water quality. 

This was after the DJB submitted a report stating that the water quality was satisfactory.

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Read BIS Report