HYDERABAD, April 25: Samples of sub-soil water collected from Sehwan and adjoining areas have been found unfit for human consumption.

People here have been consuming the sub-soil water for drinking purpose.

A team of water experts led by Dr Mohammad Saleem Memon, project director, water testing and surveillance laboratory, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, collected 20 samples of sub-soil water from different union councils of Bubak, Channa Dall and Sehwan of taluka Sehwan on Monday.

These samples were analysed in laboratory. The report indicates the presence of 0.05 to 0.25mg/l of arsenic in water samples which is much higher than the recommended limits by World Health Organisation i.e 0.00—0.05 mg/l. The ratio of total dissolved salt is also much higher (1420-18600mg/l) than the WHO permissible limits i.e. (500-1000mg/l).

All samples were declared unfit for human consumption.

The experts have stressed the need for filtering of water through reverse osmosis membrane by which high level of arsenic can be reduced.