This Is The Only Indian City Where Tap Water Is Extremely Safe For Drinking; Here’s Why

In Indian cities, public water supply may be fine for washing hands, but it is often unreliable for drinking. Water purifiers are something most of us have at home, right? But did you know there is an Indian city where tap water is so safe that you can drink it directly? Yes, you read that right. We are talking about Puri in Odisha, the only city in India where tap water is safe for direct consumption. Here’s why.

Puri Is The Only Indian City With Drinkable Tap Water 

Drinking contaminated water can be dangerous to health. The recent water tragedy in Indore has once again highlighted this reality. In India, tap water often gets contaminated with bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and industrial waste as it passes through pipelines to reach homes. This is why water purifiers or filters are extremely important. Water usually undergoes multiple purification stages before it becomes clean and safe to drink. People who cannot afford water purifiers often boil water instead. 

But Puri in Odisha is the first and only Indian city where tap water is safe to drink. Here, you can drink water straight from the tap without filtration or boiling. According to a report by News18, the city’s water meets all standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). That is rare in India. This is not just a technical achievement. It is a major win for public health, too.

Also Read: Why Is India’ s Cleanest City Facing A Water Contamination Crisis? 6 Cities At Similar Risk

‘Drink From Tap’ Mission In The City 

Now you may be wondering how this became possible. According to News18, the success comes under the ‘Drink From Tap’ (DFT) mission in Puri. The mission was launched as part of Odisha’s Sujal scheme. Its aim is simple. To provide every household with safe, pure drinking water that is available 24×7 and meets international standards.

Reportedly, over 25,000 households in Puri now receive safe drinking water directly from taps. The quality is monitored constantly and also matches WHO standards. Puri’s water system is different from most Indian cities. Under the DFT mission, tap water undergoes chlorination and ozonation to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Sensors monitor water quality in real time, while high-pressure pipelines prevent contamination. The water also goes through sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, ultrafiltration, and chlorination before supply.

Old pipelines in Puri have been replaced with new food-grade pipes. These pipes reduce leaks and prevent contamination. Water is tested daily through laboratory checks. If standards fall, the supply is cut immediately. According to News18, independent tests have confirmed that Puri’s tap water is free from harmful bacteria like E. coli. TDS, pH, and chlorine levels are also strictly controlled. 

Also Read: Odisha’s Iconic Dahibara Aloodum Seeks GI Tag; Here’s What Makes This Street Food Special

Tap water in Puri is safe for everyone. Following its success, cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are also adopting the Drink From Tap mission. Hopefully, more Indian cities will follow soon.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ AROYBARMAN and innadodor (Representative Image)