A.P. govt. approves SOP for drinking water quality monitoring in ULBs

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a comprehensive State Action Plan and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen drinking water quality monitoring across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), aiming to ensure safe supply and prevent waterborne diseases.

Brought by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department on Wednesday, the initiative introduces a technology-driven and accountable system integrating field-level testing, laboratory upgrades, and real-time digital reporting through the APCMMS platform.

The plan mandates compliance with BIS IS 10500:2012 standards and focuses on early detection of contamination, timely response, and improved public health outcomes.

A multi-layered monitoring framework has been proposed, including deployment of handheld residual chlorine testing devices at ward level, digital testing kits at ULB level, and mobile laboratories across districts.

Urban areas will be mapped into high, moderate, and low-risk zones to enable targeted surveillance and efficient resource allocation.

The SOP makes daily residual chlorine testing mandatory across the supply chain, with strict protocols for escalation, corrective measures, and emergency response. In case of contamination, water supply may be halted and alternative arrangements ensured.

MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said the government is committed to zero tolerance towards unsafe drinking water, emphasising transparency, real-time monitoring, and strict accountability at all administrative levels.