Water supply in Delhi starts returning to normal as ammonia in Yamuna falls

The Wazirabad WTP, which was operating at around 85% capacity, was in the process of being completely fixed, as of Saturday night.

Water supply in the Capital was restored to nearly normal by Saturday evening, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials said, adding that ammonia levels which disrupted operations at a key water treatment plant (WTP) were declining in the Yamuna.

The water disruption is triggered by contamination in the Yamuna. (HT Archive)

Officials also said that all canal-based WTPs in the city –- in Haiderpur, Bawana, Dwarka and Nangloi –- are currently operating at full capacity. The Chandrawal and Okhla plants are also functioning at maximum output.

The Wazirabad WTP, which was operating at around 85% capacity, was in the process of being completely fixed, as of Saturday night.

“Ammonia concentration was recorded at approximately 2.5 parts per million (ppm), which is above the threshold for optimal treatment, necessitating a temporary reduction in processing volumes. We expect the Wazirabad plant to return to normal operations within a few hours,” a DJB official said, adding that efforts are being made to stabilise supply in areas affected by low pressure or intermittent flow.

The water disruption is triggered by contamination in the Yamuna and halted repair work on the Munak canal, pushing several neighbourhoods, particularly in north and west Delhi, to rely on water tankers. The high ammonia levels have left raw water from the river temporarily unfit for treatment at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants.