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Delhi's Aging Water Network Leaks Contamination
5 Jan
Summary
- Nearly 18% of Delhi's water pipes are over three decades old.
- Half of the water supply is lost due to leaks and theft.
- 100 water samples tested recently failed quality standards.
Delhi faces a critical challenge with its aging water supply infrastructure, as a DJB report reveals that approximately 18% of its 15,600km network exceeds thirty years in age. This poses a substantial risk of contamination and water loss. The report also highlights that around half of the water supplied is non-revenue water, attributed to leakages, thefts, and unmetered connections, leading to significant resource and financial strain.
Recent water quality surveillance data from December 2026 indicates that 100 out of 7,129 tested drinking water samples across the city were deemed unsatisfactory. These failures occurred in various locations, including underground reservoirs and pumping stations. Residents' Welfare Associations across Delhi report persistent contamination issues linked to sewage and drainage, exacerbated by the old, leaky pipes and the widespread use of water pumps.
The Delhi Jal Board has initiated a large-scale replacement program for water supply lines in several areas and plans a comprehensive study with international experts to overhaul the network. Legal and environmental bodies have previously criticized the DJB for failing to address contamination incidents stemming from old, leaking supply lines, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and improved testing mechanisms.
