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Ajman residents complain of smelly tap water

AJMAN - Residents of Al Rashidiya district in Ajman are complaining of a foul smell in their tap water, which is supplied by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa).

Many of them are worried that the dirty water which they are forced to use for their daily washing, bathing and cleaning purposes might affect the health of their children and lead to skin irritation and other dermatological diseases.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Khalid Al Jabri, a resident of Al Rashidiya, said that the water smells really bad and is unclear.

According to him the water might even contain bacteria, which could affect the health of those who consume it.

“The water might be getting mixed with sewage water, leading to this terrible smell. The concerned authorities should identify the problem and take remedial measures to protect the public health,” he said.

Fatima Hamdan, another resident of the area, pointed out that the water coming out of the tap in her house is red in colour and is of no use in cleaning since it only adds to the dirt of the dishes and the laundry.

"It even tarnishes the white and bright clothes. I believe that sewage or stagnant water is what runs in our taps, and unfortunately we don't have any other choice, but to use it. My daughter buys mineral water to wash and sterilise her new born baby's feeding bottles. But we can't afford to buy water to use for other purposes,” observed Fatima.

Saif bin Al Khatimi also agreed that the smell of the water indicates that it is unfit for everything, including mopping the floor, as it contains bacteria and other microbes. "I have signed a contract with a water company to deliver large quantity of water to my family for our daily use. I spend a lot of money to buy water, but I would pay more if my children's health is jeopardised by the use of such foul water. The authorities should do something to solve this problem," he said.

According to Ahmed Khair, Imam of a mosque in Al Rashidiya, "If the water is really contaminated with sewage, then it is unfit for consumption and improper to be used for Wadu (washing for prayer)."

An official from Fewa office in Ajman said that they were trying to solve the problem and increase proper water supply to consumers in Ajman. Another source at Fewa office explained that they were launching several water purification plants in various areas in Ajman to solve the water problem to meet the growing demand of the public. He assured that the water problems in Al Rashidiya will soon be solved, without elaborating on the quality of water or the reasons for the foul smell.