Safe and clean drinking water is important for a healthy life. However, for a majority of homes and enterprises in Coimbatore, water quality has become a serious issue. With the city growing at a breakneck pace—ranging from RS Puram and Saibaba Colony to Peelamedu and Singanallur—municipal and groundwater sources are facing greater pressure. Borewell, tank, and even corporation supply water carry impurities with them that have severe health effects unless treated.
Knowing Coimbatore’s Water Sources
Coimbatore citizens depend on a combination of water sources:
• Borewells (groundwater)
• Municipal (corporation) water supply
• Open wells and tanks
• Treated river water from the Siruvani and Bhavani schemes
Though Siruvani water is one of the sweetest in India, it’s not accessible everywhere. Groundwater or tanker supply is utilized by most of the residents, mainly in suburban and industrial areas such as Saravanampatti, Neelambur, and Kurichi.
Predominant Water Quality Problems in Coimbatore
Water from these sources may consist of a variety of contaminants, some of which are:
1. High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
Borewell water in most places has excessive levels of salts, calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved solids. TDS values over 500 ppm can cause water to become salty or bitter and impact health in the long run.
2. Hard Water
Excess calcium and magnesium cause hardness. It causes scaling in pipes and equipment and also lead to skin dryness or hair loss.
3. Iron and Fluoride
Certain sections of Coimbatore, particularly the deeper borewells, have increased iron content (causing reddish coloring) and fluoride (which, in excess, can cause bone and tooth damage).
4. Bacterial Contamination
Where sewage and water supply pipes are placed near each other, there is the possibility of bacterial contamination from E. coli and other pathogenic microbes—particularly monsoons or pipe leakage.
5. Pesticides and Heavy Metals
In farm areas near Coimbatore, pesticides and industrial chemicals can leach into groundwater, contaminating it with toxic residues.
How Poor Water Quality Affects Your Health
Unsafe water isn’t only unpalatable to drink—it can be hazardous to your health:
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
Unfiltered or tainted water can lead to stomach infections, diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible.
2. Kidney and Liver Problems
Long-term use of water with high TDS, fluoride, or heavy metals can put pressure on the kidneys and liver, which can cause chronic disease.
3. Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis
High levels of fluoride over a long period of time lead to tooth discoloration, brittle bones, and aching joints—a condition called fluorosis.
4. Skin Irritation and Hair Loss
Hard water leads to dry, itchy skin and can make conditions like eczema worse. It also ruins hair, leading to thinning, breakage, and scalp irritation.
5. Cancer Risk
Although uncommon, long-term exposure to water contaminated with industrial chemicals or carcinogens may heighten the risk for developing specific forms of cancers.
What You Can Do to Safeguard Your Health
While you might not be able to dictate the origin of your water, you do have some say in how it is treated prior to consumption. Try these practical solutions:
1. Have Your Water Tested
Begin with knowing what’s in your water. Several local water purifier dealers in Coimbatore provide free water quality analysis for homes and offices. A professional test will quantify:
• TDS levels
• Hardness
• pH value
• Iron and fluoride level
• Microbial contamination
Use this to select the proper purification technique.
2. Place the Right Water Purifier
There is no “one-size-fits-all.” The ideal water purifier is based on your locality’s unique water quality:
• RO (Reverse Osmosis): Ideal for high TDS and hard water
• UV (Ultraviolet): Destroys bacteria and viruses
• UF (Ultrafiltration): Works well for soft water with sediment
• RO+UV+UF Combo: Best for homes with complex contamination
• Alkaline and Mineralizers: Add back essential minerals for health
Make sure to buy from a trusted local supplier who understands Coimbatore’s conditions and offers good after-sales service.
3. Use Separate Filters for Cooking and Drinking
Most homes today employ a dual system—a drinking water RO purifier and a specific sediment or activated carbon filter for vegetable washing or cooking. This way, safe water is available without clogging the system.
4. Boil Water When Necessary
In case you suspect microbial contamination and lack a UV purifier, you can boil water easily and effectively—especially for children and the aged.
5. Regularly Service Your Purifier
Even a top-of-the-line water purifier will not function well without periodic filter change and maintenance. Neglecting maintenance can cause bacterial growth or weak performance. Opt for suppliers who provide Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) and regular reminders.
6. Rainwater Harvesting and Water Softeners
In order to minimize dependence on hard borewell water, install a rainwater harvesting system, which not only enhances the quality of water but also recharges groundwater.
For hard water, particularly in locations such as Peelamedu or Ganapathy, whole-house water softeners can safeguard plumbing, appliances, and your skin.
7. Share Awareness Among Your Locality
Water quality impacts entire neighborhoods. Persuade your apartment association or local group to invest in central water filters, routine testing, and awareness campaigns.