Residents of Bangarapet and nearby taluks are raising alarms over the quality of drinking water supplied from the Yaragol Reservoir. Since the water from the reservoir began flowing into homes last November, it has been a significant relief for the region, which had previously faced severe water scarcity. However, in recent months, many residents have noticed an unsettling change: when the water is stored in containers or tanks, a brown tint appears at the bottom. This has led to growing concern over the safety and quality of the water they rely on for daily consumption.
The Yaragol Dam drinking water project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in November, was intended to provide a reliable and consistent water supply to the residents of Bangarapet taluk. Prior to the project’s completion, the region was grappling with acute water scarcity, and access to clean drinking water was a challenge for many. The introduction of treated water from the Yaragol Reservoir was seen as a solution to these ongoing issues, promising improved water availability and quality.
Initially, the water seemed to meet the expectations of the residents. It was treated by the municipal council and supplied to households, offering much-needed relief. However, recent reports from the community indicate a troubling development: while the water appears clear when first collected, a distinct brown tint appears at the bottom of storage containers, leading to concerns over its safety and cleanliness.
The brown discolouration in the water is most noticeable when it is stored in buckets, containers, and large storage tanks. Residents have reported seeing brown sediment accumulating at the bottom of these containers, leading to further questions about the water’s quality. In addition to the sediment, many have experienced frequent breakdowns in their household water purifiers. Several residents, including those in Bangarapet town and surrounding villages, have complained that their purifiers require repairs every two months since the Yaragol water supply began.
The issue is not isolated to a few homes. Manjunath, a teacher from Shantinagar, shared his concern with journalists, showing the brown sediment at the bottom of his storage container. He confirmed that the problem was affecting all homes in the town, with many residents now facing similar issues. While some have voiced their concerns directly to municipal authorities, others have kept their grievances to themselves, unsure of how to approach officials.
When residents raised the issue with municipal officials, they were reassured that the discolouration in the water was not a health hazard. The officials explained that such discoloration sometimes occurs when a new water supply system is introduced, suggesting that the problem would resolve itself over time. According to municipal representatives, the discoloration is a temporary issue that may be linked to the initial phase of the water supply from the Yaragol Reservoir.
However, many residents remain sceptical of this explanation. They point out that there were no issues with the water when a mixture of borewell and Yaragol water was being supplied. It is only when Yaragol water is delivered exclusively—reportedly three days a week—that the brown tint and sediment issues have surfaced. This has led to growing dissatisfaction among residents, who are now questioning the quality and safety of the water they are consuming.
In an effort to raise awareness and gather support, Manjunath posted a video on social media showing the brown-tinged water in his storage container. The video quickly went viral, and other residents began sharing their own experiences. Many reported similar problems with the Yaragol water supply, and the issue has become a topic of widespread discussion in the town and neighbouring areas.
In response to the growing concerns, Ravi, the municipal engineer, assured the public that an investigation would be conducted into the water supplied from the Yaragol Reservoir. “We will investigate the water supplied from Yaragol Reservoir to address residents’ concerns. If any issues are found, corrective measures will be taken,” he said. This statement has provided some reassurance, but many residents are still waiting for concrete action to resolve the problem.
The water contamination issue has sparked a larger debate about the need for effective water treatment processes and transparency in water supply management. While municipal officials have promised to address the situation, residents are eager for a timely solution, as the safety and health of the community are at stake.
As the concerns over the quality of water from the Yaragol Reservoir continue to grow, it is clear that the municipality needs to act quickly and decisively. The discoloration and sediment issues in the water are causing significant anxiety among residents, who rely on this water for drinking and daily use. While municipal officials have reassured the public that the problem is temporary, the situation remains unresolved, and further investigation is necessary to determine the cause of the brown tint and sediment.
For the residents of Bangarapet and the surrounding taluks, the quality of drinking water is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of health. With the growing skepticism and public frustration, it is imperative that the municipal authorities take immediate steps to investigate the issue and ensure that the water supply is safe, clean, and reliable for the entire community.