Pune: PCMC’s Drinking Water Draws Criticism from Residents of Wakad, Punawale, and Other Areas
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 4th June 2025: Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad are battling a recurring issue with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which they say has turned water supply into a “polluted weapon.” Areas such as Wakad, Tathawade, Punawale, Ravet, and Pimple Saudagar, often considered high-end residential zones, have reportedly been receiving muddy, impure water for several days. Residents sarcastically remark that it feels like living in an underdeveloped country due to the persistent lack of clean water.
While the PCMC administration has denied any shortcomings, stating that water supply from their end is normal, citizens continue to report muddy water and poor quality. In multiple societies, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in water has been found to be excessively high. As per 3D Aqua, the recommended TDS level is between 50 and 150 PPM. The average TDS level reported by residents in Pimpri-Chinchwad is around 200 PPM or even higher.
Despite paying property and water taxes, citizens are spending heavily on clean water. On average, each society reportedly spends Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 on water testing, along with additional expenses on water tankers during shortages. Many high-rise societies, particularly in the western part of PCMC, including Pimple Nilakh, Pimple Saudagar, Wakad, Tathawade, Thergaon, Punawale, and Ravet, have complained of a bad taste in water and rising TDS levels.
Adding to their frustration, residents claim that while PCMC supplies water only on alternate days, even that supply is inconsistent in both pressure and quality.
However, PCMC officials offered a different explanation regarding the reports of poor water quality. Pramod Ombhase, Chief Engineer of PCMC’s Water Supply Department, said, “Drinking water samples are collected regularly from all parts of the city, and none have been found unfit for consumption. Often, storage tanks in housing societies are not cleaned regularly, leading to sludge buildup and muddy water.”
Sachin Londhe, Chairman of the Wakad Pimpri-Chinchwad Residents Development and Welfare Association, said, “Most of our member societies cleaned their tanks just 15 days ago. Despite that, the TDS level has reached 200. This increase may be due to chemicals or other pollutants in the river water. What angers us is PCMC’s double standards—they are always quick to disconnect taps or collect property tax but never consistent in providing basic services like clean water. If they claim to be an international-level governing body, why can’t they ensure something as basic as drinkable water?”
Vitthal Baral, Chairman of Yashone Infinitee Housing Society in Punawale, said, “For the past two weeks, ever since the rains began, we’ve noticed a change in the taste of the water. At first, we thought there was an issue with our tanker. The water has a yellowish color, and there’s a clear decline in its quality. Some residents are also experiencing health issues. We reported the matter on the PCMC Sarathi app, but there has been no response. The water supply is irregular as well. We spend nearly Rs 3 lakh per month on external water tankers. All we demand is an adequate and good-quality water supply, that’s all we’re asking for.”
