Turbidity level of Khandepar swells after rain

Ponda: The incessant rain in the catchment area of Khandepar and Kalem rivers raised the turbidity of raw water in the Khandepar on Thursday evening. Opa waterworks recorded river water turbidity of 141 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) on Thursday evening.

Water containing 1mg of finely divided silica per litre has a turbidity of 1 NTU and up to 50 NTU is considered normal. Turbidity refers to opaqueness or cloudiness.

Sunil Kerkar, an assistant engineer of the water division, said the phenomenon is common during heavy rainfall and the water is safe for consumption.

“Water is released to consumers only after proper filtration at the Opa water treatment plant,” he added.

This is the third time the Opa waterworks has recorded high turbidity of 100 NTU or higher since the state received the monsoon. On June 8 and 19, the readings were 100 NTU and 180 NTU.

High turbidity levels increase the workload of the plant’s staff, as they have to clean the clogged filters repatedly.