Unauthorized ‘Water ATMs’ Risk Public Health in Pune; Municipal Water Siphoned and Sold Without Safety Checks

An investigative report reveals that hundreds of illegal Water ATMs in Pune are siphoned off municipal supplies and borewells to sell contaminated water, operating entirely without official licenses or health inspections.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | Pune:A dangerous trade involving ‘Water ATMs’ has surfaced across Pune, where private operators are allegedly stealing water from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) pipelines and unauthorized borewells to sell it under the guise of “purified water.” Despite charging citizens between 5 to 20 per liter, these operators are reportedly distributing water that fails basic safety standards, posing a severe threat to public health.

The investigation highlights a total lack of oversight by the PMC. Currently, the civic body has no robust policy to monitor the registration, operation, or water quality of these vending machines. While hundreds of these units have cropped up in major squares and residential pockets—particularly in student hubs like Karvenagar—only about 25 are officially registered with the municipal records.

Sandip Khardekar, President of the Creative Foundation, recently raised alarms after testing water from a popular “1 Rupee per Liter” ATM in Karvenagar. The laboratory report confirmed the water was unfit for human consumption. Despite this report being submitted to Junior Engineer Aparna Desai of the Water Supply Department, the kiosk reportedly continues to operate, endangering the large student population in the vicinity.

The health risks are mounting, with local doctors fearing a rise in waterborne diseases such as Gastritis, Cholera, and various intestinal infections. “These operators rarely change filters or maintain hygiene standards,” a concerned citizen noted. Nandkishore Jagtap, Head of the PMC Water Supply Department, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that while regulations exist, they are being openly flouted. He has promised a city-wide inspection drive to crack down on illegal connections and substandard purification processes.

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