Concerns over water quality have risen in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and other regions, due to the increasing cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) linked to contaminated water. In a recent development, it has been revealed that 8% of the water supplied in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) area is not fit for drinking. The water quality has been found to be below standard, according to weekly tests conducted by the TMC. However, the municipal water supply department claims that 92% of the water remains potable.
As per the TMC Water Supply Department, the World Health Organization (WHO) mandates that drinking water quality should be at least 95% safe. Any quality below this threshold is considered unsafe for consumption. Experts highlight that currently, Thane residents are receiving water with only 92% quality compliance, making it evident that a portion of the supply is unfit for drinking.
Annual Testing of Water Quality
TMC conducts annual tests on water quality and prepares reports accordingly. In 2020-21, a total of 14,305 water samples were tested, of which 13,755 were found to be potable, while 620 were deemed unfit. At that time, the water quality was at 96%.
In 2021-22, 14,905 samples were tested, out of which 14,119 were potable, while 786 were not, bringing the quality down to 95%.
In 2022-23, 13,024 samples were tested, with 12,099 being potable and 925 unfit, reducing the quality to 93%.
780-Km Long Water Distribution Network
Thane’s population has surpassed 2.5 million, and the Municipal Water Supply Department supplies 585 MLD water to the city every day. Out of that, 1250 MLD water comes from the Municipal Corporation’s own scheme, 115 MLD from STEM Authority, 135 MLD from MIDC and 85 MLD from Mumbai Municipal Corporation. There is a 780 km long distribution network to supply water to the city from these sources.
According to the municipal corporation, the water quality measured over the past three months has been approximately 92%.
- November 2024: 849 samples tested, 775 potable (91% quality, 9% unfit).
- December 2024: 1,096 samples tested, 1,002 potable (91% quality, 9% unfit).
- January 2025: 1,240 samples tested, 1,144 potable (92% quality, 8% unfit).
“TMC collects water samples five days a week, and based on three months of testing, the average potable water percentage is 92%, which officials consider a good ratio” said Vinod Pawar, Deputy City Engineer, Thane Municipal Corporation.
