AMID the rising cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune, which have reached 166 to date with five fatalities, a hidden threat in purified water has come to light—neglected RO systems becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. Thousands of residents and commercial establishments in the city depend on these RO water bottles, but an inspection by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) found that 19 out of 30 reverse osmosis (RO) water plants in affected areas were supplying non-potable water.

During a recent inspection, the civic body discovered the presence of coliform bacteria, including E. coli, in these plants, raising serious public health concerns. PMC Water Supply Department Chief Nandkishor Jagtap told mid-day, “The civic body has identified 14 out of 30 private RO water plants supplying contaminated water. We have issued notices to these RO plants and shut them down.”