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Delhi Water Crisis: Audit Reveals Unsafe Drinking Water
19 Jan
Summary
- 55% of groundwater samples tested were unsafe for drinking.
- Essential water quality tests for toxic elements were skipped.
- Untreated water was supplied directly to consumers bypassing safety.
A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has uncovered severe deficiencies in the Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) water supply system. The report, tabled on January 7, 2026, reveals that a significant 55% of tested groundwater samples failed to meet potable standards, posing serious health risks.
During the audit period, DJB laboratories were found to be inadequately equipped and understaffed, failing to conduct crucial tests for toxic substances and heavy metals as mandated by Bureau of Indian Standards. Furthermore, between 80-90 million gallons per day of raw, untreated water was supplied directly to consumers, bypassing essential safety protocols.
These systemic lapses, including the use of banned chemicals and a lack of flow meters, have drawn sharp criticism from public health advocates. Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India has demanded immediate corrective actions, emphasizing that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right being jeopardized.
