First air, now water: Delhi shut off water till November 1 due to high ammonia level in Yamuna river

Even though Diwali is just around the corner, the people of Delhi can’t partake in the festive fun as one ball at a turn seems to make their lives miserable. The national capital is already struggling with poor air quality, with many residents complaining of breathing problems. And now another important natural resource is compromised.

The Delhi Jal Council (DJB) has announced water scarcity in several areas of the national capital till November 1 due to high ammonia levels in the Yamuna riverwhich affected the water supply of East, North-East and South Delhi as well as the areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council.

Two major Delhi water treatment facilities (WTPs), Bhagirathi (110 MGD) and Sonia Vihar (140 MGD), mainly depend on raw water from Upper Ganges Canal in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh. However, due to the planned annual repair on the canal near the street Irrigation of Uttar Pradesh department, the canal was closed at midnight on October 12, halting the supply of Ganga water to these factories. During the maintenance period, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department and UP Jal Nigam are carrying out repairs along the canal, which are expected to continue till October 31.

To address the supply shortage, the Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar plants have turned to the Yamuna River as an alternative source. However, ammonia levels in excess of 1.5 parts per million severely hampered the treatment process, resulting in a 30% reduction in water production capacity at both plants. DJB noted that water production from these facilities will continue to depend on the quality of the Yamuna’s raw water, potentially causing further fluctuations in supply.

DJB advised residents to stock up on sufficient water in advance and use it sparingly to cope with the limited supply. In addition, water tankers will be available on request through the DJB helpline and central control room, providing some relief to the affected areas.

This ammonia-related water shortage highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining clean and sufficient water in Delhi, prompting authorities to find sustainable solutions to water quality and supply issues.