Hyderabad’s drinking water sources face trouble with algae growth

The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are witnessing their two major drinking water sources - Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, infested with algae growth.

The presence of unwanted vegetation with a thick blanket of weeds and algae formed in the shores of the lakes indicates that the drinking water sources are gradually losing their pristine environment. This may have been a result of the lack of outflow which has led to the stagnation of water in the lakes.

While the doctors warn of health issues if people consume the water, skin ailments is also a possibility if contact with polluted water.

In the last 18 months, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has not released water downstream and has taken up regular maintenance on the crest gates.

The prominence of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs declined after the HMWSSB took up Krishna and Godavari projects which are supplying water to areas.

However, the reservoirs have been losing water due to evaporation which increases during summer. According to the experts, the quality of the water is affected due to stagnation of water for long periods which results in the growth of unwanted vegetation and also cause a foul smell.

Research studies revealed that the water quality in the two lakes has been deteriorating over the years with regular analysis a requirement to ensure that the two major lakes survive for long.