DJB restarts production; water still not potable

After going without water supply for more than two days, residents in various parts of the Capital can now heave a sigh of relief, as production in the Wazirabad and Chandrawal treatment plants started on Wednesday evening.

After going without water supply for more than two days, residents in various parts of the Capital can now heave a sigh of relief, as production in the Wazirabad and Chandrawal treatment plants started on Wednesday evening.

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The plants were shut due to high level of ammonia in Yamuna water coming from Panipat, Haryana.

The ammonia level came down to 0.5 parts per million (PPM) on Wednesday evening after it touched a high 1.4 PPM on Monday evening. The ammonia level at which water becomes untreatable is 0.6 PPM.

However, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has cautioned that the water should be boiled before drinking.

“Some water was released in the afternoon that was fit only for household chores and was not potable. As a precaution, residents should, on Thursday, drink water only after boiling,” said Sanjam Cima, spokesperson, DJB.

Residents of north, north-west, south and central Delhi were severely hit because of lack of water.

“The condition in our hostel is very bad. Managing such big premises with so many students without water is very difficult,” said SK Chakravorty, dean, hostels, St Stephen’s College.

Residents of other parts of the city were also severely affected. “We have no option but to buy water from private suppliers and it costs a lot of money. My whole family had to go without bathing for the past two days,” said a Lajpat Nagar resident, who did not wish to be named.

No tanker facility was available to solve the problems of the residents in the past three days.