Worms slither from taps, Mandur residents fall ill

Panaji: A few residents of Dhaktembhat, Dongorim, in Azossim-Mandur panchayat fell ill after consuming contaminated tap water on Tuesday, as dirty water from a drain mixed with potable water due to a broken supply line.

The pollution was noticed on Sunday and a few households received the contaminated water. “We noticed worms after flashing a torch light in the bucket in the dark,” a local resident said.

The affected residents suffered vomiting and giddiness and some fainted due to consumption of contaminated water.

The contamination of the drinking water was due to damage caused to the pipeline near the drains.

The field staff of PWD promptly repaired the pipeline, but the residue still remained in the water and the residents detected it due to the foul smell of water.

PWD staff has collected samples and is testing the water while the residents are recovering from their illness.

While many houses in the ward have not complained of any problem, health department officials have said that they will hold a joint inspection with PWD officials. However, the inspection date has not been fixed.

Caption: Drain water mixed with potable water due to a broken supply line