NEW DELHI,10 Jan 2026: Several cities in India have been facing contaminated water crises. Indore witnessed a major water contamination crisis which led to the death of 20 people with hundreds of people falling ill. According to reports, the contamination in Indore took place due to a leak in a pipeline which caused sewage to enter the drinking water line, however, further investigation is being conducted.
Other than Indore, Gandhinagar in Gujarat, regions around Hyderabad in Telangana, Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Rohtak and Jhajjar in Haryana, too have been reported water contamination.
Contaminated water can lead to major health issues, from diarrhoea and typhoid to several neurological conditions like Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Read on to know more about cities that have reported contaminated water crises and precautions you should take to prevent any health issues.
Groundwater in several parts of the state capital Bhopal tested positive for E coli bacteria. This is the same bacteria that was found in Indore’s contaminated water, which led to the death of 20 people. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prohibited the use of groundwater. It has also said that the contamination is limited to groundwater sources and has not affected the city’s treated, piped water supply.
Gujarat’s Gandhinagar has been witnessing a typhoid outbreak with 108 cases reported. This outbreak has also been linked to water contamination, caused due to a leak in a water pipeline. Two patients undergoing treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital died on Monday, however, authorities have clarified that neither death was linked to the typhoid outbreak.
Recent reports have highlighted that Hyderabad’s drinking water sources are highly polluted. According to a report in TOI, at least four out of the city’s six major supply sources are “critically polluted”. Several research papers from premier academic institutions have found sewage, faecal coliform/bacteria and industrial effluents in these drinking water sources. This has raised serious public health concerns, especially, after the Indore water contamination tragedy.
Residents in Greater Noida’s Delta 1 sector reported illness after consuming contaminated water. PTI report said that people living in parts of Greater Noida reported symptoms of vomiting, fever, stomach ache and loose motion after consuming tap water. Officials from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), however, have dismissed claims of sewage contamination. They said that water from these areas were tested and no impurity was found.
Two localities in Haryana’s Rohtak and Jhajjar have been receiving contaminated water. Residents say, for the past several days, the water has been dirty, foul-smelling and black-coloured water. According to a report in The Tribune, the situation has forced many families to arrange water for daily use from other areas or purchase it from private tankers, adding to their financial and physical distress.
Precautionary Measures
*Boil or Treat Water: Boil tap water for 1-10 minutes to kill microbes, then cool it before use. This is one of the simplest and most reliable methods. Opt for trusted bottled water or purification tablets for infants, elderly, or immunocompromised members, as boiling alone may not remove chemicals. Use certified filters like 1-micron or RO systems for removal of broader contaminant, but combine it with boiling or UV for viruses.
*Practice Strict Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and boiled or disinfected water before eating, cooking, or after toilet use to block faecal-oral transmission. Teach children consistent habits, as poor hygiene amplifies risks in crowded homes. Disinfect surfaces like counters and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
*Store and Cook Safely: Keep water in clean, covered containers. Also, avoid hand-dipping to prevent recontamination. Use treated water for cooking, brushing teeth, and washing produce. Avoid raw salads, fruits, or chutneys rinsed in tap water.
