Kurla Residents Advised to Boil and Filter Water for 4 Days Amid BMC Reservoir Repair

Mumbai, July 22: In a significant water management move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced temporary changes in the water supply system for parts of Mumbai’s Kurla region. The civic body has urged residents to boil and filter water for three to four days starting Monday, July 23, due to a planned shift in water supply from one Powai reservoir compartment to another for structural repair work.

The advisory has been issued for L and S wards, which include several densely populated neighborhoods in both north and south Kurla. The BMC's water supply department clarified that while the supply will continue, the changeover could temporarily affect water quality, hence the need for precautionary measures.

Why the Shift? Structural Repair at Powai Reservoir
 

According to a statement from BMC officials, the civic body has recently completed structural repairs on compartment No. 2 of the Powai reservoir. With this section now ready to be operational, compartment No. 1 is scheduled for repair, prompting a planned shift of the water supply source.

The transition is expected to temporarily disturb water flow and pressure, and may result in minor contamination or sediment release, particularly in older pipelines.

 

Areas That Will Be Affected
 

Residents in Kurla’s L and S wards should prepare for possible fluctuations in water clarity and pressure. The areas specifically impacted include:

L Ward (North Kurla):

• 90 Feet Road (Kurla-Andheri Road)
• Saki Vihar
• Satyanagar Pipeline Road
• Ghatkopar-Andheri Road
• Mahatma Phule Nagar
• Jarimari

S Ward (South Kurla):

• Kajupada
• Shastri Nagar
• Ghas Compound
• Kranti Nagar
• LBS Marg
• LIG-MIG Colony.

The BMC has recommended that residents in these zones boil and filter their drinking water to avoid any potential health risks during the transition period.

What BMC Advises
 

While no complete water cuts have been announced, the BMC's public notice emphasizes caution during the changeover. "Although water supply will not be stopped, residents are advised to boil water for drinking and cooking purposes and use appropriate filtration methods until the system stabilizes," the statement read.

A senior BMC official also added, “This is a routine maintenance operation, but due to the age of the water pipelines and possible changes in flow dynamics, there's a chance of slight contamination. As a precaution, boiling and filtering the water is strongly recommended.”

Past Incidents Highlight Need for Caution

Water supply disruptions in Mumbai, especially during monsoon season, have often led to concerns about waterborne diseases. Cases of gastroenteritis and other illnesses have been linked to contaminated drinking water in the past. Hence, residents are being extra vigilant and urged to follow the advisory until normal conditions resume.

Local health professionals in Kurla have also supported the advisory, warning that even minimal contamination during the monsoon can increase the risk of bacterial infections.

Community Reactions
 

While residents understand the importance of maintenance work, some have expressed concerns about recurring issues with water quality. “We appreciate that repairs are being carried out, but we hope the water pressure remains consistent and the quality is not compromised,” said Fatima Shaikh, a resident of Saki Vihar Road.

Others noted the lack of advance notice, requesting better communication from BMC in future infrastructure projects. “A two-day heads-up isn’t enough to plan for families with children and elderly members,” said Ramesh Kadam, who lives in Kajupada.

What’s Next?
 

The BMC plans to monitor the situation closely. Water samples will be tested periodically from various locations in the affected zones to ensure safety. Structural work on compartment No. 1 is expected to take a few weeks, although the water supply switch itself is expected to stabilize within four days.

The civic body has also provided helpline numbers and requested citizens to report any abnormalities in water color, taste, or odor immediately.

Conclusion: Precaution Today, Prevention Tomorrow
 

While the BMC's water supply shift is part of routine infrastructure upkeep, the advisory to boil and filter water highlights the importance of civic responsibility during such transitions. Residents are urged to follow safety protocols and remain updated through official BMC channels for further announcements.