PANJIM: The manganese content in the raw waters of Selaulim reservoir, the lifeline of South Goa, dipped lower than last week’s 2.8 mg per litre but still continued to hover around ‘higher than the permissible limit’ of 0.3 mg per litre. The manganese content till Monday was at 1.8 mg per litre, mainly due to the washing of iron ore dumps located in the vicinity.
The water supply to two major talukas-Mormugao and Salcete which was affected for the past few days will be further restricted on July 2 and thereafter due to cleaning work at the Selaulim treatment plant, according to the PWD.
Speaking to Herald, PWD Executive Engineer S R Paranjape said that the manganese content has continued to persist on the higher side, even after it declined compared to last week. He said presently the manganese content is 1.8 mg per litre.
Paranjape said that chemicals like lime and alum are being put in to reduce the manganese content.
According to government records, 13 mining leases are located within 500mts radius from Selaulim reservoir, of which three mining leases are located within 200mts radius.
The PWD said that due to increase in manganese content in raw water, production of treated water is affected.
Selaulim, South Goa’s lifeline, produces 214 MLD of treated water to meet the current demand of 170-180MLD.
