Pune: In an effort to improve water quality in public swimming pools, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to install ultraviolet (UV) filtration systems at five locations across the city. This decision comes in response to rising concerns over the excessive use of chlorine, which has been linked to skin irritation and respiratory problems among swimmers.
Currently, chlorine is the primary disinfectant used in municipal pools. However, its overuse has raised health concerns, prompting officials to explore alternative purification methods. The new UV filtration system aims to reduce reliance on chlorine while ensuring safe and hygienic water conditions.
According to PMC officials, the installation cost for each UV filtration system is estimated between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh. With a lifespan of three to four years, these systems are considered a cost-effective and long-term solution. The project will be funded through MLA funds, ensuring smooth implementation without financial constraints.
The PMC’s Estimate Committee recently approved the installation of UV filtration units in four swimming pools in the Kothrud constituency and one in Shivajinagar. This makes Pune the first civic body in Maharashtra to adopt UV-based filtration for municipal pools, potentially setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges.
Pune has over 25 PMC-constructed swimming pools, most of which are operated by private contractors. According to municipal regulations, the permissible chlorine levels are 2 PPM (parts per million) for drinking water and 3 PPM for swimming pools. However, reports indicate that contractors often exceed these limits, leading to adverse health effects for swimmers, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
By introducing UV filtration, the civic body aims to maintain water quality standards while addressing health concerns. Unlike chlorine, which disinfects through chemical reactions, UV technology neutralizes pathogens by exposing them to ultraviolet light, eliminating harmful microorganisms without altering the water’s composition. This method is considered safer, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
If the pilot project proves successful, PMC may expand the use of UV filtration across all public pools, potentially replacing chlorine-based purification methods altogether.
Officials will closely monitor the new filtration systems, conducting regular water quality tests and gathering feedback from swimmers. Speaking about the initiative, Manisha Shekatkar, Head of PMC’s Electrical Department, emphasized the importance of modernizing filtration systems.
