A British biologist tests Ganga water, which featured in a viral social media video, and discovers faecal bacteria and human waste, which has greatly stirred discussion about the state of India’s legendary river and its water quality. Jeremy Wade, a British biologist, compares a sample of bottled mineral water with a sample of the Ganga, and the mineral water shows the expected colour change, but the river water is light brown, suggesting faecal coliform bacteria and indicating large amounts of human waste.

Source: Instagram @rivermonsters_official

Video Demonstration and Interpretation

In the demonstration, Wade stated that his colour change test was meant to indicate how polluted the respective river was: “If it is pink, then the river is clean, and if it is another colour, it means trouble.” He tested mineral water as a control, then used a sample of Ganga water that turned yellowish-brown, which he attributed to the presence of faecal coliform bacteria, and told the audience that the water sample “is full of human excrement.” This starkly worded description has been very effective at eliciting strong reactions.

The scientist additionally points out the difficulty in creating environmental awareness about a river that is important to several religions and cultures. Making the public aware of the potential effects of pollution on a river has offended some of the individuals who believe in and worship the river as a deity.

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Public Reaction and Health Implications

The video sparked strong reactions online, with many viewers worried about the river’s condition and some questioning why pollution persists in a river considered sacred, calling for greater responsibility and action to improve water quality. Others emphasized the need to balance scientific worries with respect for cultural practices, as the river is central to many people’s religious life.

Environmental scientists say high levels of faecal coliform bacteria can indicate sewage contamination, raising the risk of waterborne diseases such as gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses if people touch or drink untreated water. Past tests during mass bathing events have also shown bacteria levels above safe limits.

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Broader Context and Water Quality Work

This discovery comes at a time when several cleaning and rejuvenation works of the River Ganga are in progress, primarily implemented through central government-driven programs such as the Namami Gange Mission, which aims to reduce pollution and upgrade sewage handling infrastructure along the river course.

While the debate continues in forums, both online and offline, the viral video has brought to light the dichotomy between long-standing environmental problems and the need for transparent, science-based discussions about water safety and the river’s health. A British biologist tests Ganga water and finds clear evidence of persistent pollution in one of the world’s most culturally significant rivers.

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