No inappropriate drinking water samples, says SWR after quality control
The railways said that 18 samples from the railway water supply were taken for bacteriological analysis, of which 11 were found to be eligible, and the results of seven samples are awaited. | Photo credit: File photo
South Western Railway (SWR) has announced that none of the drinking water samples tested at railway stations and colonies in its Hubballi, Bengaluru and Mysuru divisions were found to be substandard during quality checks conducted between September 14 and 22, 2026.
As part of its ongoing drinking water quality monitoring program, SWR tested samples for residual chlorine, bacteriological parameters and chemical parameters to ensure that the water supplied to passengers and railway staff is safe for consumption.
“A total of 249 drinking water samples were tested for residual chlorine and all 249 were found to be satisfactory. No samples were found to be unsatisfactory, with no results expected in this category,” the report said.
The railways said that 18 samples from the railway water supply were taken for bacteriological analysis, of which 11 were found to be eligible, and the results of seven samples are awaited. Similarly, 32 samples were taken for chemical analysis, of which 30 were found to be satisfactory and two are awaiting results.
In Hubballi division, 143 samples of residual chlorine were tested and all were found to be satisfactory. Ten bacteriological and 30 chemical samples were also tested, all of which were reported as satisfactory.
The Bengaluru division tested 72 chlorine residual samples, all of which were found to be satisfactory, along with one bacteriological sample, which was also declared satisfactory.
In Mysuru division, 34 residual chlorine samples have been found satisfactory, while the results of seven bacteriological and two chemical samples are awaited.
SWR said health inspectors carry out daily checks for residual chlorine in drinking water at stations and colonies. The engineering department also carries out regular chlorination of water installations.
The rail zone said if any sample is found to be non-compliant, immediate corrective action will be taken, including cleaning, rechlorination and system remediation, followed by further testing.
Published – 23 Sep 2026 21:27 IST