Water Quality Alarm in Rewari: Samples from 90 Government Schools Fail Tests

Rewari: Concerns over students’ access to safe drinking water have intensified in Haryana’s Rewari district after water samples collected from 90 government schools failed quality tests. The findings have raised questions about drinking water facilities in schools, particularly in the Bawal, Rewari and Nahar blocks.

Rewari has a total of 638 government schools, of which water samples from 263 were tested. According to the test results, samples from 90 schools did not meet the prescribed quality standards. Following the findings, education department officials have directed the authorities to collect fresh samples from the affected schools to reassess water quality.

Bacterial Contamination, High TDS Detected
Many government schools depend on handpumps and borewells for drinking water, while others receive supplies through the Public Health Department. However, laboratory tests of samples collected from handpumps, borewells and taps revealed quality concerns. Some samples showed high levels of Total Dissolved Solids, while others reportedly contained bacteria.

The samples were collected during August and September and sent to the Public Health Department’s laboratory for testing. After receiving the results, school principals submitted reports to the district headquarters detailing their respective drinking water sources.

Several Schools Lack Functional Water Purifiers
The investigation also highlighted shortcomings in drinking water infrastructure. Several schools reportedly do not have Reverse Osmosis systems or water filters, while some existing RO units have remained non-functional for an extended period.

The situation is particularly concerning in schools across the Bawal, Rewari and Nahar blocks. District Elementary Education Officer Pradeep Dahiya said fresh sampling had been ordered following the test results. The actual status of drinking water quality in the affected schools will become clearer after the follow-up tests are completed.

Authorities Working on Alternative Water Arrangements
The Public Health Department has also been asked to address the issue. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to ensure water supplies in schools where samples failed to meet the required standards.

Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel said the government is concerned about children’s health as well as their education. He added that water samples are collected as part of an ongoing monitoring process.

The fresh tests are expected to help determine the extent of the problem and guide further corrective measures to ensure students have access to safe drinking water in government schools.