Apple Supplier Factory in India Under Fire Again Over Contaminated Water Claims

A manufacturing facility operated by Tata Electronics, which supplies components for Apple iPhones, is once again under scrutiny following renewed concerns over alleged contaminated water near its plant in Hosur, India.

While the company has stated that internal water tests show no signs of contamination, local health authorities are continuing an independent investigation into complaints raised by nearby farming communities.

Earlier Pollution Allegations and Regulatory Response

Last month, Tamil Nadu’s pollution regulator had warned of a potential shutdown of the facility after alleging that wastewater discharge may have contaminated groundwater in surrounding agricultural areas.

However, earlier this week Tata stated that the regulator had closed the case after reviewing the company’s response and corrective measures.

According to the company’s statement cited by Reuters, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board confirmed that Tata had “satisfactorily addressed all queries mentioned” and decided to take no further action.

New Health Investigation Still Ongoing

Despite the regulatory closure, district health officials reportedly began their own investigation as early as late May after receiving complaints from farmers living near the plant, which began operations in 2021 and produces iPhone back covers and other components.

The inquiry is focused on whether liquid discharge from the factory has affected surrounding farmland and water sources.

Some farmers have reported skin-related health issues, which they believe linked to exposure to contaminated water or soil. However, a government medical officer noted that there are no clinical cases.

Findings From Local Inspection and Lab Tests

According to a May 27 letter reviewed by Reuters, a health inspection found that discharge from the facility had caused a “severe foul smell” and left water “unsuitable for animals to drink.”

The letter also alleged that wastewater had spread into nearby agricultural land and contaminated water in local wells, potentially impacting both human health and livestock.

In addition, laboratory tests of water samples collected from nearby farms reportedly detected E. coli, a bacterium commonly associated with sewage contamination and an indicator of possible fecal pollution in water sources.

This creates the tensions between local farmers and factory security personnel. In one incident, a member of a farmers’ group allegedly entered the plant premises to photograph a pond they believed contained wastewater. During the confrontation, a security guard reportedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle.

Visual Evidence and Lack of Official Comment

Photographs cited in the report include images of farmers holding murky green water collected from fields near the factory, which they claim shows evidence of contamination.

As of the latest reporting, neither Apple nor Tata Electronics has issued a detailed public response to the renewed investigation.

Final Verdict

While regulators previously indicated that compliance issues at the Tata Electronics facility had been resolved, the emergence of new health investigations suggests that concerns over environmental impact remain unresolved at the local level. The situation highlights ongoing scrutiny of electronics manufacturing supply chains and their environmental footprint, particularly in rapidly expanding production hubs.