KWSC enhances water safety measures to prevent Naegleria

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has decided to further strengthen measures to prevent Naegleria and ensure the supply of safe, clean drinking water to residents across the city.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Operating Officer Engineer Asadullah Khan. The meeting was attended by Karachi Director of Health Services Dr. Saqib Ali Sheikh, officials from the Sindh Health Department, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and relevant KWSC officials.

Participants discussed ways to improve water chlorination, continuous water quality monitoring, joint surveillance, public awareness and coordination among relevant organizations.

During the meeting, citizens were advised to clean the underground and overhead water tanks in their homes and residential buildings every six months. They were also urged to use one chlorine tablet for every 1,000 gallons of water, following expert recommendations, to keep the water free from harmful germs.

Dr. Saqib Ali Sheikh said the Health Department and KWSC would jointly collect and test water samples from across Karachi. He added that water filtration plants would also be inspected and technical staff would receive additional training.

He also requested WHO and UNICEF to provide KWSC with chlorine tablets and other protective supplies. He said deputy commissioners and religious scholars would also be involved in public awareness campaigns.

Representatives from WHO and UNICEF assured the meeting that chlorine tablets, sodium hypochlorite, banners and public awareness material for the Naegleria prevention campaign would be provided soon.

KWSC officials informed the meeting that the corporation is maintaining 24-hour chlorination at its nine filtration plants located at six different sites across the city, including COD, Hub, NEK Old, NEK-II, Pipri and Gharo. They said the plants operate in line with WHO standards and use around 240 chlorine cylinders every month. During pre-filtration, chlorine is maintained at 1.0 ppm, while post-filtration levels are kept at 2.0 ppm.

Officials also said that, with support from the World Bank, 16 chlorination points have already been established across Karachi. An additional 29 chlorination points will be set up during the second phase of the project to strengthen water disinfection, improve drinking water quality and ensure that chlorinated water reaches remote and tail-end areas.

Hydrants Cell In-charge Ayaz Hussain Tanio said every water tanker leaving government hydrants is being treated with one chlorine tablet per 1,000 gallons of water. He added that the process is being supervised by Hydrants Cell focal person Shahbaz Bashir.

Chief Chemist Kashan Ahmed said laboratory teams are collecting water samples daily from different parts of the city to monitor chlorine levels and overall water quality to ensure residents receive safe drinking water.

Speaking at the meeting, Engineer Asadullah Khan said KWSC is using all available resources to provide safe drinking water in accordance with WHO standards. He directed officials to ensure there is no negligence in chlorination, laboratory testing, water quality monitoring or public awareness efforts.

He also urged citizens to regularly clean their water tanks, use chlorinated or boiled water for ablution, bathing and nasal cleansing, avoid swimming in unchlorinated pools and natural water bodies, and obtain water only from water tankers approved by KWSC.