Punjab has made significant progress in expanding tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), yet the state continues to lag behind the national average when it comes to overall tap water quality and consumer satisfaction. This contrast between coverage and quality has emerged clearly in the latest Functional Tap Connections (FTC) assessment, which highlights gaps in water testing, treatment consistency, and consumer confidence.
According to the report, around 88 percent of households in Punjab expressed satisfaction with the quality of tap water supplied to them. While this figure reflects a strong majority, it still falls short of the national average satisfaction level of 92 percent. The data indicates that although tap water has reached a large number of homes, the quality assurance mechanisms have not kept pace uniformly across districts.
Punjab has achieved tap water availability in nearly 93 percent of rural households, which is higher than the national average of around 88 percent. Districts such as Nawanshahr, Sangrur, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Patiala have reported availability levels above 85 percent, placing them among the better-performing districts in the state. Nawanshahr leads with over 94 percent availability, while Sangrur and Pathankot closely follow.
However, availability does not automatically translate into quality. The report reveals that Punjab scored below the national average in water sample testing results. While the national average of samples meeting quality standards stands at around 72 percent, Punjab’s performance remains slightly lower. This gap suggests that water supplied to households is not always tested frequently or comprehensively enough.
Another area of concern is consumer awareness. Only about 55 percent of households in Punjab reported seeing information, education, and communication (IEC) material related to water quality and conservation. This is significantly below the national average, where nearly 76 percent of households recalled such outreach efforts. The lack of awareness limits people’s ability to understand water safety issues, report problems, or demand corrective action.
The report also points to deficiencies in village-level water management systems. Chlorination mechanisms, which are essential to ensure safe drinking water, were found to be inconsistently functional in many villages. While Punjab has expanded infrastructure rapidly, operational maintenance has not always kept pace, leading to variations in water quality.
District-wise disparities are also visible. While districts like Nawanshahr and Sangrur perform well in availability, others such as Fazilka, Barnala, Muktsar, and Gurdaspur lag behind, with availability levels falling below 70 percent in some cases. Fazilka ranks at the bottom with just over 52 percent coverage, highlighting regional imbalances.
The findings underline a crucial lesson: infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by robust quality monitoring, transparent communication, and strong local governance. Without these, public trust in tap water systems remains fragile.
Experts believe that Punjab now needs to shift its focus from merely expanding tap connections to strengthening water quality testing labs, improving chlorination systems, and empowering village water committees. Regular audits, public disclosure of test results, and stronger grievance redressal mechanisms are essential to close the quality gap.
Punjab’s progress under JJM is undeniable, but the report makes it clear that the next phase must prioritise quality over numbers. Only then can the state match, and possibly exceed, national standards in safe drinking water delivery.
