Pune Water Quality Report Flags High Salinity in Two Talukas

Pune: A groundwater quality assessment has revealed that while more than 91% of drinking water samples across Pune district are fit for consumption, water sources in Haveli and Shirur talukas contain significantly higher levels of dissolved salts compared to the district’s other 11 talukas, prompting authorities to recommend immediate corrective measures.

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According to the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA), a total of 3,775 drinking water samples were collected across 13 talukas during the 2025–26 pre-monsoon groundwater survey. The samples were tested in accredited regional laboratories as part of the state’s routine groundwater quality monitoring programme.

The report found that 3,440 samples (91.13%) met drinking water quality standards, while 335 samples (8.87%) were declared unsafe for drinking.

The most concerning findings emerged from Haveli and Shirur, where water samples recorded abnormal levels of dissolved salts. In Haveli, 117 out of 209 samples failed to meet quality standards, while 115 of 298 samples from Shirur were also found unsuitable for drinking based on prescribed chemical parameters.

Other talukas with unsafe samples included Baramati (36), Purandar (19), and Bhor and Mulshi with 18 samples each. Only two unsafe samples were reported from both Daund and Indapur, while Junnar, Maval, Khed, Ambegaon and Velhe recorded comparatively better water quality.

Why Were the Samples Declared Unsafe?

The GSDA examined drinking water using 15 chemical safety parameters, including Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), fluoride, nitrate, minerals, metals and other dissolved substances.

Officials said water samples from the affected talukas showed higher-than-permissible concentrations of fluoride and nitrate, making them unsuitable for long-term human consumption. According to the report, fluoride levels exceeded 200 mg, while nitrate concentrations were found above the prescribed 45 mg limit in several samples.

Experts warned that prolonged consumption of such contaminated water may increase the risk of health-related complications.

Possible Reasons Behind Water Contamination

Officials identified several factors that could be contributing to groundwater quality deterioration, including:

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers

Industrial pollution and untreated wastewater discharge

Over-extraction of groundwater

Changing climatic conditions

Considering the findings in Haveli and Shirur, the GSDA has advised the district administration and concerned departments to identify contaminated water sources and initiate immediate corrective measures.

Senior Hydrogeologist Jayant Misal stated that while Pune district’s overall drinking water quality remains satisfactory, the elevated salt levels in parts of Haveli and Shirur require urgent attention to prevent long-term health risks.

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