Three out of the six packaged drinking water samples collected from Andheri, Sewri and Malad among other areas, following a complaint late last year, fail test, found containing harmful microbes and chlorine Mumbaikars, go easy on chugging bottled water; turns out, it’s not so safe, after all.
In 2015, a report of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre had found presence of bromate, a carcinogen, in packaged drinking water in Mumbai.
A doctor had then lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, which was forwarded to FSSAI.
The latter had asked the FDA to conduct an investigation.
However, one had pseudomonas aeruginosa and aerobic microbial count, while two samples had high residual-free chlorine," states the FDA report.
"We’ve taken note of the reports and filed a case against the companies.
The reports would be produced in court during hearing," he said, adding, "We have plans to collect more samples from other parts of the city."
Adhav said, "Especially in this season, we appeal to people to carry their own drinking water.
Biologically speaking…
Chlorine, too, is used in drinking water, for the purpose of making the bacteria inactivate, while also acting as a residual disinfectant, but its excessive consumption can have a deadly impact on a person’s health.