Lucknow University is one of the most well-known and beautiful universities in India. Established in 1920, it has a long history of academic excellence. The university has received a NAAC A++ grade and was ranked 97th in the university category and 151st overall in the NIRF Rankings 2024–25.
Despite these achievements, the university is still providing unsafe drinking water to its students. Unfortunately, students are unknowingly consuming unsafe water every day.
Most students do not notice this problem, but the fact of the matter is that the water being supplied throughout the campus water purifiers is not suitable for regular consumption. I personally checked the TDS levels of several water coolers across the campus, and the results were very worrying. At most locations, the TDS level was above 600 ppm, which is well above what’s considered safe for drinking.
TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the amount of dissolved substances in water, such as minerals, salts, and metals. It is measured in parts per million (ppm). High TDS levels affect the taste and quality of water and may cause health issues if consumed over a long period of time.
Ideally, drinking water should have a TDS level between 150 and 250 ppm. Water with levels significantly higher than this range is not suitable for daily use.
Water is the most basic requirement for human life, yet it appears that this issue is not being given enough importance. Nearly 30,000 students rely on the university’s water supply every day, but most of them are unaware of the risks involved and how unsafe it is.
I checked the water quality at several locations within the campus and found dangerously high TDS levels. Some examples include:
• Cyber Library water cooler – 650+ TDS
• Psychology Department water cooler – 600+ TDS
• Water cooler near 3rd Number Gate – Around 600 TDS
As you can see,drinking this water daily can lead to stomach-related problems and other long-term health issues. Despite these risks and grave issues, as far as I know, no one seems to be batting an eye to this, even more so, the Administration, which seems to be more stagnant than ever in its action and implementation. Â
The university seems to focus heavily on fees, examinations, and rules, while basic student needs are being ignored. Safe drinking water is a necessity, not a luxury. Providing unsafe water reflects poorly on the institution’s responsibility towards student welfare and and leaves students open to developing serious health issues Â
The problem is not limited to drinking water alone. Many toilets are poorly maintained, and several washrooms do not have a proper water supply, making daily life difficult and unhygienic for students. The water is just the most damning example of the failure of this institution to maintain basic hygiene standards for everyone that studies and goes to their campus. All these issues can have a snowball effect and can lead to many, many students falling ill. Is this how the youth of India will bring about change? By not having access to the most basic of necessities, clean drinking water?Â
I sincerely hope that this matter reaches the concerned authorities and that immediate steps are taken. Regular water quality checks, proper maintenance of filtration systems, and clean washroom facilities are some of the most basic steps that must be ensured. Students should also come forward and raise their voices regarding these basic needs.
This issue directly affects our health and well-being and so I request everyone who reads this to understand its seriousness and help spread awareness about this issue and hold Administration accountable for this gross negligence of student welfareÂ
