‘Yellow water’ in taps safe: civic body to residents

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has appealed to all residents not to worry about the yellow-coloured water that they may be getting in the taps. According to the civic body,the yellowish tinge in the water is due to the presence of hydrated iron oxide,popularly known as yellow iron oxide,that the BMC claims is safe for consumption. The BMC has received complaints in this regard from many parts of the island city and western suburbs.

The hydraulic engineering department issued a clarification on Saturday stating that the yellow colour is because of the chemical reaction between the chlorine used to purify water,oxygen and iron compounds. The Upper Vaitarna and Modaksagar (lower Vaitarna) dams supply water to the western suburbs and major portions of the city.

“Following rains,we have had to release large quantities of water from Upper Vaitarana dam at regular intervals. During this time,dry grass and weed float from the river bank to the dam. When this water reaches the Bhandup water complex we treat it with chlorine. The level of chlorine which we mix in the water for purification has been increased as we are drawing a lot of water from Upper Vaitarna. A chemical reaction takes place between chlorine,oxygen in the water and iron compounds within water. This results in a new compound called hydrated iron oxide,” the clarification note by the department said.

Officials said water samples are being regularly tested in the municipal lab to ensure safety standards.