Karwar: Amid concerns raised in several local publications regarding the potability of Gangavali river water, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board has issued a clarification stating that the river water is indeed safe for consumption after proper treatment.

According to officials, water from the Gangavali River undergoes monthly chemical and physical tests at the board’s laboratory. Additionally, bacteriological tests are conducted every 15 days by external departmental laboratories. These tests are carried out in accordance with IS 10500-2012 RA 2018 standards to ensure compliance with national drinking water quality guidelines.

While the presence of surface bacteria such as E. coli is common in untreated river water, officials emphasized that the water is not supplied directly to the public. It is first processed at purification plants before distribution, ensuring all safety parameters are met.

The Assistant Executive Engineer of the Karwar division confirmed that samples had also been submitted to the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department’s laboratory. As per their report, the treated water from the Gangavali River meets the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) standards and is deemed safe for drinking.