KMC Urges Public to Boil Drinking Water Amid Rising Risk of Water-Borne Diseases

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged all residents to boil drinking water before consumption, as the risk of water-borne diseases increases during the monsoon season. Although water is readily available during this time of year, there is a danger that some bottled water being sold in the market may not meet quality standards.

Nurnidhi Neupane, Head of KMC’s Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department, stated that the city has been closely monitoring the production, transport, and distribution of drinking water. He emphasized that boiling water is essential for public safety and health, especially during this season.

During inspections conducted in June, KMC destroyed 159 water jars that failed to meet safety standards. Neupane said that jars that are opaque, broken, or crushed—making it hard to see the water inside—should not be used. KMC teams are monitoring various points in the city where water is collected and delivered. Vehicles and jars used for delivering processed water are also being checked.

Companies that produce water have been told by the department to adhere to stringent regulations. These include not selling substandard water, labeling jars with clear information, and ensuring delivery vehicles carry valid documents such as the company’s bill of lading.

In addition to these efforts, KMC is planning to test water samples at the community level to prevent the outbreak of diseases like cholera. Rishi Bhusal, KMC’s focal person for epidemic disease control, shared that orientation programs will soon be launched in each ward of the city. Water quality testing will be part of these awareness-raising initiatives.

KMC is taking these steps seriously as cholera cases have been reported in past years in areas such as Balkhu, Kalimati, and Tankeshwar. Since the monsoon arrived earlier this year, city officials are acting early to prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health.