The Goa Food and Drugs Administration’s (FDA) directive making water filters mandatory in restaurants across the state is a step in the right direction. The FDA has stated in a circular that only filtered water should be served and that RO filters should be fitted in premises within 30 days.
Providing filtered water will undoubtedly safeguard customers from water-borne diseases, especially at a time when people in several parts of the State are facing all sorts of water issues, with some even receiving muddy waters through their taps. However, the question to be addressed is whether small eateries and restaurants are in a position to install such water filters and if they can bear the maintenance costs. Water filters, if not maintained or serviced from time to time, could spark off a health hazard too. Bacteria and other water borne impurities trapped in the filter tubes need regular cleaning to get a clean flow of water and this will come at recurring costs.
The FDA warned of action if the filters are not fitted within 30 days. What remains to be seen is how serious it gets in implementing this directive. It should not be only about installing the water filters, but the FDA should keep a strict vigil to ensure that clean water is provided from time to time.
