How Safe is Your Tap Water? Understanding Water Quality in Siliguri

We all mostly use tap water in Siliguri, water contains both minerals and contaminants, so some type of water is safe to drink within certain essential levels, and also it depends upon the areas to areas in Siliguri, But do we know how safe it is?

As we know, there are only two sources of water: surface water and groundwater. In Siliguri, lakes and rivers are the most common sources of surface water. However, these sources can be vulnerable to contamination from industrial waste, especially during the monsoon season when pollutants are washed into the water bodies. On the other hand, many areas rely on groundwater, which is generally safer as it is naturally filtered through rocks and sand. However, the groundwater in Siliguri contains high levels of minerals, which can be harmful to human health..

2. MUNICIPAL TREATMENT

The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) generally treats water through chlorination to kill the bacteria, and the effectiveness of this treatment may vary. And also, over-chlorination treatment leads to bad taste and smell. However, the filtration process also takes place in it, but it helps only to remove large particles, also this may not eliminate some chemicals or viruses from water.

3.WATER TESTING

The quality of tap water in Siliguri varies depending on the location within the city. It is recommended to regularly test tap water for common contaminants, such as heavy metals and large particles. Testing can be done in private laboratories, where a wide range of contaminants can be analyzed. This provides the most accurate assessment of your tap water, especially if you are concerned about pollutants.

4. BOILING WATER AND FILTRATION AT HOME

Boiling water at home is the good way to filter the water and kill the bacteria in it, but it does not remove chemicals on it or the heavy metals. Whereas many residents in Siliguri they use reserve osmosis (RO) water purifications, which are the best way to removing the heavy particles, chemicals, viruses, heavy metals and dissolved salt. RO water is good and safer for the drinking and cooking foods.

JAL JEEVAN MISSION the central government’s taken initiatives aims to provide the safe and adequate drinking water in rural areas, also including the improvement of quality of water supply in the urban areas like Siliguri. Also, the government and NGO’s conduct awareness to educate people about safe drinking water and practice to save water and save life with importance of maintaining the Water Quality in Siliguri.

CONCLUSION

While the treatment of the tap water of Siliguri municipal goes on, it may still contain some particles and heavy metals which may cause a health risk. So, drinking RO water, regular testing water, and staying updated about your local water qualities so that you can ensure about good quality of drinking water in Siliguri.