Sewage Leak Suspected Behind Mangaluru's Contaminated Water, 30+ Wells Found Unsafe

A drinking water contamination scare has triggered a public health crisis in Mangaluru, with more than 100 families reportedly suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea and other health complications after consuming water supplied by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).

Residents of Bejai New Road and Battagudde areas have alleged that contaminated water has been flowing through household taps for nearly a month. The issue came to light after a large number of residents, including children and senior citizens, developed similar symptoms over the past few weeks.

Initially dismissed as a seasonal infection, the matter took a serious turn when illnesses were reported from more than a hundred households in the locality. Concerned residents subsequently got the water tested through the health department.

The laboratory findings confirmed their fears. According to residents, the report stated that the water supplied in the affected areas was unfit for drinking.

With confidence in the municipal water supply shaken, many households have switched to packaged drinking water despite the additional financial burden.

Residents suspect that sewage may have entered drinking water pipelines after underground utility lines were damaged during recent repair works. In several parts of Mangaluru, drinking water and drainage pipelines run alongside each other. Citizens have urged civic authorities to conduct an immediate technical inspection and identify possible leakages or cross-connections.

The contamination concerns are not limited to the piped water network. More than 30 wells across Mangaluru have also been found unsafe for consumption, according to the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Association.

Water samples collected from wells in Falnir, Bijai, Majila, Tokkottu and other areas through Primary Health Centres reportedly revealed contamination linked to sewage flowing through stormwater drains.

The association has launched an awareness campaign in affected neighbourhoods, warning residents about the risks posed by polluted groundwater. Volunteers have already visited over 50 households to educate people on water safety and preventive measures.

Meanwhile, water and sediment samples from the Phalguni River have been sent to laboratories at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka for detailed analysis. Samples collected from the Baikampady industrial area have also been submitted for testing. The results are expected within the next 15 days.

The association plans to place the latest findings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), where a complaint regarding sewage discharge into stormwater drains has already been under consideration for the past six months.

Alleging inadequate action by both the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and the civic body, the association said repeated delays in the matter have hindered efforts to address the growing environmental and public health concern.

The next hearing before the NGT is scheduled for July 27, when the organisation intends to seek corrective measures and compensation for residents affected by the contamination.