Contaminated Tanker Water Suspected in Pune’s GBS Outbreak, Says PMC

Pune, 1st February 2025: A recent investigation by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has revealed alarming contamination in water samples collected from private tanker sources supplying areas affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Out of 15 samples tested, 14 were found to contain dangerously high levels of E. coli, indicating a serious health risk.

The contaminated samples were taken from Dhayari, Sinhagad Road, and Kirkatwadi, areas reporting multiple GBS cases. Officials confirmed that residents in these localities may have used the unsafe water for drinking, cooking, and other household activities, increasing the likelihood of exposure to harmful bacteria.

“Ideally, drinking water should have zero E. coli. However, our tests found 14 samples with E. coli levels exceeding 16 per 100 ml, which is highly unsafe,” a senior PMC official said. “This suggests the presence of other harmful pathogens as well.”

The water samples were collected by PMC’s Swargate water distribution team and tested at the Parvati Water Purification Laboratory. According to officials, many housing societies unknowingly mix tanker water with their municipal supply, which can lead to widespread contamination in storage tanks.

“Since these samples were taken specifically to test drinking water quality, it is highly probable that people consumed this water. This is a serious concern, especially given the link between poor water quality and gastrointestinal infections that can trigger GBS,” an official explained.

In response to the findings, PMC has issued strict notices to private water suppliers who have not yet collected bleaching powder from the civic body’s Parvati treatment plant.

“We started distributing bleaching powder on January 29 and have also held meetings with private tanker operators. Approximately 600 tankers supply water daily to the affected areas, some of which is used for drinking,” an official stated.

PMC has urged residents to boil water before consumption and advised societies to ensure proper cleaning of storage tanks to prevent further health risks. The investigation into the GBS outbreak continues, with authorities closely monitoring water quality across the city.