Is Delhi’s Drinking Water Safe? New Uranium Alert
High uranium in Delhi groundwater has become a growing public health concern, with a significant number of water samples now exceeding safe limits. According to the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), around 13–15% of groundwater samples in Delhi contain uranium above the permissible level of 30 parts per billion (ppb). This places Delhi as the third most affected region in India, after Punjab and Haryana.
Uranium levels have increased over the years
The report highlights that the situation has worsened compared to previous findings. In 2020, about 11.7% of Delhi’s groundwater samples had uranium beyond safe limits. One unusually high reading of 89.4 ppb was recorded in a tubewell in the North West district.
By 2024, six districts, North, North West, South, South East, South West, and West Delhi, were already reporting uranium levels above the acceptable limit. At that time, approximately 10.7% of Delhi’s total groundwater samples were contaminated.
In the most recent assessment, specific localities such as Auchandi in Narela (42 ppb) and Nizampur in Kanjhawala (46.5 ppb) have been identified as hotspots for high uranium in Delhi groundwater.
Delhi depends heavily on vulnerable groundwater sources
Environmental organisations have raised strong concerns about Delhi’s dependence on groundwater. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) currently draws about 450 million litres per day (MLD) from approximately 5,500 tubewells. Much of this water is either semi-treated or untreated, which increases the risk of exposure to uranium and other toxic substances.
Along with uranium, elevated levels of nitrate, fluoride, salinity, iron and manganese have also been detected, adding to the overall health risk for residents.
Health risks linked to high uranium in drinking water
Experts warn that long-term consumption of water contaminated with uranium, arsenic and lead can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:
- Kidney damage
- Neurological disorders
- Bone and skeletal deformities
- Increased risk of cancer
- Developmental issues in children
- Harm to infants due to high iron and manganese levels
The presence of multiple contaminants together can multiply these risks, especially for elderly individuals, children, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions.
Impact goes beyond drinking water
High uranium in Delhi groundwater is not only a threat to human health, but also to agriculture and soil quality. The report states that toxic elements can accumulate in the soil and crops, eventually entering the food chain.
Additionally, Delhi recorded a very high sodium adsorption ratio (179.8), one of the highest in the country. Because of this:
- 1.11% of areas in Delhi are unsuitable for irrigation
- 7.23% of areas have high salinity or electrical conductivity
Such conditions make the land less productive and can reduce crop yields over time.
How Delhi compares with other states
The CGWB tested 3,754 groundwater samples during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods of 2024 across the country. The data showed an increase in uranium levels after rainfall:
- Punjab: 53% (pre-monsoon), 62.5% (post-monsoon)
- Haryana: 15% (pre-monsoon), 23.75% (post-monsoon)
- Delhi: 13% (pre-monsoon), 15.66% (post-monsoon)
This confirms that high uranium in Delhi groundwater is part of a larger regional issue in North India, although Delhi remains among the top-affected areas.
Authorities are issuing regular alerts
The Central Ground Water Board is now sharing fortnightly water quality alerts with state government agencies. These updates are aimed at encouraging quicker action, improving monitoring, and increasing public awareness about unsafe water usage.
Environmental groups are also urging the government to release detailed, location-specific data and ensure that proper treatment methods, such as reverse osmosis or alternative drinking water supplies, are used in high-risk areas.
Conclusion
Until safer solutions are fully implemented, experts advise that people in affected zones should:
- Avoid drinking water directly from tubewells or borewells
- Use certified water purifiers that remove heavy metals
- Prefer treated municipal water or bottled water for drinking
- Get water tested regularly if relying on private sources
As high uranium in Delhi groundwater continues to pose a silent but serious threat, coordinated efforts from authorities and informed choices by citizens are crucial to protect both current and future generations.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 1 December 2025
- 15:00
