Frothy, soapy tap water sparks health alarm in Okhla Vihar
Living without clean drinking water is unimaginable, especially in the national capital. Yet for residents of Okhla Vihar, access to safe water has been a long-standing struggle. The problem has once again come to the fore after froth and soap-like foam began flowing from household taps, making the water visibly unsafe for drinking.
ALSO READ: 21-day sit-in, OT coverage force Amanat to act on Shaheen Bagh waterlogging after months of neglect
A resident told the OT that the tap water has turned cloudy and milky, with thick foam forming on the surface. “This water is completely unfit for drinking,” the resident said. Shakeel, who has been living in Okhla Vihar for over a decade, shared photographs showing water filled with persistent bubbles that do not settle easily. The images have alarmed many residents who depend on tap water for daily use.
According to locals, the water not only looks unusual but also gives off a strange smell, adding to fears of contamination. “Fearing health risks, many families have stopped using tap water for cooking and bathing purpose,” said another resident.
Shakeel lamented that the lack of clean water severely affects the daily productivity of residents, as much of the day is spent worrying about and running from place to place in search of safe drinking water. While access to clean water is a basic necessity and a fundamental right, residents of Okhla Vihar are forced to struggle daily and endure hardship just to secure something so essential to life. he said.
People rely on bottled water or private suppliers, increasing their monthly expenses. “This water is clearly not normal. It looks contaminated and unsafe,” a resident said, adding that the problem has continued for several hours.
Residents say the lack of clean water is not a new issue in the locality. “Clean water has always been a major problem here,” said another local. Okhla Vihar, being a rocky area, faces severe water shortages every summer. Groundwater levels drop sharply, leaving residents struggling to meet even basic needs.
A few months ago, when water sources dried up completely, several residents staged a peaceful sit-in protest near the main mosque, demanding deep boring to extract groundwater. After days of protest, Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan responded to the residents’ demands and initiated deep boring work in the area.
Public health experts warn that frothy water could be caused by chemical contamination, leaking pipelines, or improper water treatment, all of which can pose serious health risks if consumed. Residents have now demanded an immediate inspection of water pipelines and treatment systems. As of now, the exact cause of the frothing water remains unknown, and authorities are yet to issue an official explanation.
