Only 13 Out of 53 RO Water Supply Agencies in Churachandpur Certified by BIS and Food Safety

A recent inspection by the Food Safety Administration, Churachandpur, has revealed that only 13 out of 53 RO (Reverse Osmosis) water supply agencies in the district are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and licensed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

According to officials, over 40 agencies are operating without registration under the Food Safety Department, prompting authorities to initiate field inspections across several localities, including Tuibong, Vaal Veng, New Lamka, and Vengnuam South. The inspecting team, led by PG Lamthang, conducted quality tests focusing on the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and electrolyte levels in the water supplied by these agencies.

The tests uncovered alarming findings: in most cases, TDS levels were below 35, far lower than the recommended 35–100 mg/L range considered safe for human consumption. Experts warn that water with TDS values below 35 lacks essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, leading to potential mineral deficiency, heart problems, muscle cramps, and dehydration. The lack of minerals may also cause bone deformities, acid reflux, and nausea, according to the Food Safety Administration.

Officials noted that many of the RO plants source water from borewells but lack sufficient iron filtration systems, resulting in poor water quality despite filtration. The administration cautioned that consuming demineralized water could have long-term health effects and underscored the importance of proper mineral balance in drinking water.

In a public advisory, the Food Safety Administration urged residents to consume water only from BIS and FSSAI-certified agencies, emphasizing that continued surveillance and testing will take place to ensure compliance and public safety.

The 13 certified RO water supply agencies in Churachandpur district are: Satori, Kims Aqua, KT Spring, Thoms Agency, Rani Agency, DS Mountain Spring, Ivy Blue, Apuci, Hin Twi, VK Drinking Water, Estee Water, JL Drops, and Unau Aqua.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all water distributed in the district meets national safety standards, warning that unlicensed operations will face further scrutiny and possible sanctions