Contaminated milky-white water sparks health concerns in Kolhapur

Kolhapur:Residents in several localities of Kolhapur were shocked on Friday to find milky-white water flowing from their taps, with some even reporting “smoke” or fumes rising from the supply.While some areas grappled with contaminated water, others in the city faced a complete shutdown of supply, leading to widespread public outrage against the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC).The unusual white-colored water was reported in areas including Hockey Stadium Road, Ganesh Colony, the ITI College vicinity, and Pachgaon Road.Yogesh Khot, a resident of Ganesh Colony, described the scene: “On Thursday morning, the water in our kitchen tap was milky white. When we checked the utility and backyard taps, it was the same — white water with smoke coming out of it. We have never seen anything like this. We don’t know if it’s a chemical or if it’s safe to use. The KMC must provide an immediate explanation.”Another resident, Tukaram Mane from Hanumannagar, said lack of transparency has forced families to spend extra money. “With frequent water cuts already a weekly nuisance, this contaminated supply is the last straw. We had to purchase 20-litre mineral water jars because we cannot risk our health,” he said.However, local representatives and civic officials appear to be at odds over the cause of the phenomenon. Advocate Manasi Lolage, a local corporator, suggested the water might be safe. “In my experience, this happens when an extra dose of purification medicine is added to treat high sediment levels. If the water is left in a vessel for five minutes, the milkiness usually settles, and the water becomes clear. Residents should not panic,” she claimed.In contrast, the KMC Water Supply department has issued a warning. Harshjit Ghatge, KMC water supply engineer, stated that the issue appears localised rather than a city-wide purification error.“If this were due to chlorine dioxide or other purification medicines, the entire city would be receiving similar water,” Ghatge said. “I suspect a local issue, such as a leakage in a gas pipeline or another pipe passing near the water line. It is possible the domestic pipeline is compromised. Our team is investigating the root cause. Until we have answers, citizens are strongly advised not to consume this water.”While some dealt with strange water, residents in Shukrawar Peth and Shaniwar Peth faced dry taps. Many complained that the KMC failed to provide prior intimation of the disruption.“We received no water on Thursday,” said Satish Ghatage, a resident of Shukrawar Peth. “Because the water supply department didn’t warn us, we hadn’t stored any water, leaving many families in a state of scarcity.”