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2,870 Govt Water Testing Labs Now Functional Across India: Jal Shakti Ministry

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has informed the Rajya Sabha that 2,870 water quality testing laboratories are currently operational across various government levels in India. Minister of State V. Somanna stated that an additional 1,707 labs are accredited for conducting water tests, with states advised to make them accessible to the public at nominal rates. The ministry has developed the JJM-Water Quality Management Information System portal for comprehensive water quality monitoring and sample reporting. Furthermore, a 'Citizen Corner' on the JJM Dashboard publicly displays village-level water test results to build public confidence in water supplies.

Key Points: 2,870 Public Water Testing Labs Operational in India

  • 2,870 govt water labs functional
  • 1,707 accredited labs available
  • Public can test water at nominal rates
  • JJM-WQMIS portal for monitoring
  • 'Citizen Corner' for public awareness
2 min read

2,870 public water testing labs functional across states: Jal Shakti Ministry

Jal Shakti Ministry reports 2,870 functional public water labs and 1,707 accredited labs to ensure safe drinking water across India.

"states/UTs have been advised to open their water quality testing laboratories to general public - V. Somanna"

New Delhi, Feb 9

As many as 2,870 water quality testing laboratories are being operated by government agencies at the state, regional, district, sub-division and block levels, apart from mobile units and Water Treatment Plant facility laboratories, the Ministry of Jal Shakti told Rajya Sabha on Monday.

In addition, there are 1,707 accredited and recognised laboratories to conduct water quality tests, Minister of State (MoS) V. Somanna said in a written reply.

He said that to encourage water quality testing to the rural community/public, the states/Union Territories (UTs) have been advised to open their water quality testing laboratories to general public for testing of their water samples at a nominal rate.

In consultation with various stakeholders, 'Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households', was released in December 2024 for guidance to states/UTs, MoS Somanna added.

The MoS said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to enable states/UTs test water samples for quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water, an online JJM-Water Quality Management Information System (JJM-WQMIS) portal has been developed.

He added that states/UTs have also been advised to review the existing network of drinking water quality testing laboratories in the state and to strengthen it by setting up/exploring Public-Private Partnership for additional laboratories at various levels in the state.

The MoS said states/UTs have been directed to get their water quality testing laboratories accredited/recognised to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of the data they produce.

He added that meetings were also held with states/UTs and accreditation bodies with the objective of addressing the concerns/issues faced by states/UTs in accreditation process, including shortage of assessors or delays in accreditation slots.

For enhancing public awareneess, a "Citizen Corner" has been placed on the JJM Dashboard.

The "Citizen Corner" includes display of village level water quality test results in the public domain to further create awareness and build confidence among people about the quality of water supplies through the Public Water System in rural areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the numbers! Jal Jeevan Mission is doing commendable work. The online portal for water quality management is a smart move for transparency. Clean drinking water is a basic right. 🚰 Hope every state implements the guidelines properly.
A
Aman W
The handbook and the push for accreditation are crucial. We can't have unreliable data when it comes to public health. Encouraging PPP for more labs could speed things up. Let's see if the 'nominal rate' for public testing is truly affordable for everyone.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, the infrastructure is only half the battle. The other half is consistent funding for maintenance, trained personnel at these labs, and a clear grievance redressal system when water fails the test. The plan looks good on paper.
K
Karthik V
Finally! Public display of village-level results is a game-changer for accountability. No more hiding behind reports. If my tap water is bad, I should be able to see the test result online and know who is responsible for fixing it. Great initiative.
N
Nisha Z
Hope the mobile units reach the remotest areas. In many hilly regions, getting a water sample to a district lab is a task in itself. The focus should be on preventive surveillance, not just testing after people fall ill. Jai Jal Jeevan! 💧

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