Delhi is grappling with a severe water crisis as high ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, coupled with reduced water supply from Haryana via the Munak Canal, have disrupted operations at seven of the city’s nine water treatment plants. The Wazirabad plant, the largest in Delhi, supplying 140 MGD, has been completely shut down, while Chandrawal is operating at only 50% capacity. Authorities have urged residents to conserve water as the situation persists, potentially until February 4, 2026.

Several neighborhoods including IGI Airport, Dwarka, Shalimar Bagh, Sultanpuri, Rajouri Garden, Bawana, Mangolpuri, and Janakpuri are among the worst affected. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has requested residents to use water judiciously while Haryana diverts emergency supplies to supplement the shortage. The disruption has raised concerns about both daily water access and long-term health safety.

High ammonia levels in drinking water—anything above 0.5 ppm—pose significant health risks. Exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, worsen asthma, and cause coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Neurological effects include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, nausea or poisoning. Prolonged exposure can also damage kidneys, disrupt reproductive health, and elevate vascular risks.

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Residents are advised to check for ammonia contamination at home using simple methods. Indicators include a sharp, fishy odor, unusual bitterness, or moldy taste. Water pH testing with strips can also help, as ammonia tends to lower pH levels. Additionally, low chlorine readings, detected with pool strips or kits, may indicate the presence of ammonia through its reaction forming chloramines.

Safety measures are critical to mitigate exposure. Certified filtration systems like reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters are recommended, as they can effectively remove ammonia ions. Boiling water alone is not sufficient and may concentrate ammonia vapors, so filtered water should be used, and vapors avoided. Immediate washing of skin or eyes after contact and medical consultation in case of ingestion are also essential.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are urged to remain vigilant. Alongside using safe filtration methods, avoiding direct consumption of untreated water and following hygienic handling practices can help prevent the adverse health effects of ammonia contamination until the water supply stabilizes.

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