QR codes, GPS tracking must for tankers supplying drinking water

Panaji: To stop illegalities and to ensure that users are supplied non-contaminated water, the department of drinking water has issued guidelines for tankers supplying potable water. Under the guidelines, a tanker body had to be painted blue, with all details - including the QR code and registration certificate issued by the department of drinking water - prominently displayed on it.

The guidelines mandated that the QR code displayed should have details of the tanker’s registration, drinking water quality tests conducted, and other relevant information. Tankers should also have a GPS tracking device to facilitate its tracking by the department.

The registration of tankers providing potable water was made compulsory a while ago, but the guidelines were framed and notified now. Tankers transporting drinking water also need to have an internal body of stainless steel. Their registration with the department of drinking water will have to be renewed annually.

Under the guidelines, water tankers will have to be calibrated and stamped by an authorised legal metrology officer before the drinking water department issues a registration certificate.

If any water tanker is caught for malpractice, its registration will be cancelled, and it will remain suspended for a year from the date of cancellation of its registration. Operators supplying water without registration will also be prosecuted.

Registered tankers will be subjected to a test at least once a month, and depending on the test result, they will be permitted to supply drinking water. Test results of water by various service providers will be placed in the public domain. The department will also conduct surprise checks.

The public will also be able to test water supplied by any tanker service with a field test kit that can be purchased from the department of drinking water.

Several parts of Goa routinely rely on tanker water supply despite govt’s assurance of regularising supply for all.