Contradictory water quality test results leave Handwara residents baffled

Kupwara, Apr 4: Recent water quality testing in Khunbal ‘A’ Handwara has stirred confusion and concern among residents after initial findings from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) Lab in Kupwara declared tap water unfit for human consumption due to bacterial contamination.

However, a discrepancy has emerged as the Jal Shakti department in Handwara collected another sample on 3 April and reported on the same day that the water samples collected meet all numerical standards for safe drinking water.

The IDSP Lab in Kupwara conducted testing on tap water samples collected from village Khunbal Handwara on April 1, 2024. The results, issued under Lab serial no IDSP-Kup-5124-2024, revealed unsatisfactory findings with a MPN count of 92, surpassing acceptable bacteriological standards.

Promptly responding to the concerning results, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kupwara forwarded the water quality report of Khunbal Block Handwara to the Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti in Handwara on April 3. This proactive measure aimed to address potential issues with water safety and ensure necessary actions were taken to protect public health.

However, a surprising turn of events unfolded when the Jal Shakti department in Handwara conducted their own sampling and testing on April 3. In direct contradiction to the IDSP Lab’s findings, the department reported on the same day that the water samples collected were fit for drinking and met all numerical standards established for safe drinking water.

The conflicting reports from the IDSP Lab and the Jal Shakti department have left residents of Khunbal Handwara perplexed and anxious about the safety of their drinking water.

While the IDSP Lab’s findings raised serious health concerns, the subsequent report from the Jal Shakti department suggests a conflicting assessment of water quality, leading to uncertainty among the community.

The conflicting test results regarding water quality in Khunbal Handwara have sparked a debate over the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures.

As authorities strive to resolve the discrepancy, residents remain apprehensive about the safety of their drinking water and await further updates.

This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures and transparent communication in ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.

Meanwhile official data reveals that one person has been found positive for jaundice in Khunbal raising concerns among locals.

“Don’t know whom to believe, the health department has declared water unsafe while the Jal Shakti Department has declared it fit to use. We are perplexed about the ongoing situation as five persons have been found positive for jaundice,” a local resident told Greater Kashmir.