Councillors raise concern over faecal contamination of water
Local councillors in Chennai have raised concerns regarding faecal contamination in the city's drinking water supply, citing test results that show E. coli presence in multiple zones. Officials are investigating the source of the contamination, which is suspected to be linked to damaged sewer networks near infrastructure projects.
Why it matters
Water contamination poses a significant public health risk, necessitating urgent infrastructure repairs and improved monitoring to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
Councillors complained about faecal contamination of drinking water and the rising public health risk in Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) zones, at the Council meeting on Friday.
Valasaravakkam Ward Committee Chairperson V. Rajan submitted to Mayor R. Priya a report alleging that 44 informal water samples tested positive for E. coli and were deemed ‘bacteriologically unsatisfactory’.
The data revealed that a ward in Nerkundram recorded the highest concentration, with 12 positive samples, constituting 27.3% of the data analysed by experts between May 26, 2026, and August 12, 2026.
Nerkundram (four wards), Chinna Nolambur, Alwarthirunagar, and Maduravoyal areas collectively accounted for 68.2% of the positive cases. According to the documents, the contaminated samples were collected from Metrowater, RO water, wells and borewells at various locations. The sources included Ippasi Street, Mandaveli Street, Mookambigai Nagar, Kadambadi Street, Vallalar Street, and Jai Balaji Nagar in Ramapuram.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in