Raids Target Suspected Low-Quality Water Units

Responding to public complaints, food safety authorities in Visakhapatnam raided several packaged drinking water units suspected of selling substandard water. The raids covered areas like Gnanapuram, Janda Chettu, HB Colony (Seethammadhara), Kailasapuram, Sivajipalem, and Thatichetlapalem.

Samples Sent for Quality Testing

Officials collected multiple samples during the inspection and sent them to the food testing laboratory at Nacharam, Hyderabad. The lab will test the water for ten critical parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, fluoride, sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, residual free chlorine, alkalinity, and mineral oil.

Authorities Warn Public, Promise Action

“We have collected samples from suspected manufacturers. After receiving the lab results, we will take strict legal action if violations are confirmed,” said Food Safety Officer G.V. Apparao. He urged citizens to check the quality of bottled water and report any concerns to the department.

Soaring Summer Demand Increases Risk

With temperatures rising, nearly 200 water plants and 1,000 dealers are reportedly selling about 10 lakh litres of packaged drinking water per day in the city, raising concerns over unchecked supply and safety lapses.

Source: The Hindu