CHENNAI: Metrowater will soon know the amount of water that is lost or unaccounted for, while it passes from the water supplier to the customer, said the CEO of a firm conducting a study. K Ashok Natarajan, who heads Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company (TWIC), said it is a major challenge for water utility companies to address the problem, which is often limited due to technology and resources. “As on date, Tamil Nadu is losing 741 MLD water due to leakages, which translates to a revenue loss of `163 cr per day,” he said citing a recent study.
Also, Natarajan said the State government is looking at the possibility of having 4-5 additional Tertiary Treatment Reverse Osmosis (TTRO) plants, which would supply treated water to industries. Currently, work is underway on two 45 MLD TTRO plants at Koyambedu and Kodungaiyur. These two projects are likley to be completed in the next two years.
As per the Metrowater study, the anticipated demand of water in Manali-Ennore corridor will be around 70 MLD by 2020. It is learnt that 46 industrial clusters are being planned in the State, which would require 400 MLD of treated water per day.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government is planning to convert 22 stone quarries at Sikkrayapuram in Kancheepuram as natural reservoirs in order to quench the thirst of Chennaites, who are facing water crisis due to erratic monsoons. This was revealed by V Vishnu, executive director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), during the 4th Indian-German Water Partnership Day 2017.
Currently, Metrowater is drawing 30 million litres a day (MLD) from these quarries that is supplied to Mylapore, Aminjikarai, KK Nagar, Valasaravakkam and parts of south Chennai.
To a query on the quality of water, the official said water that is being drawn from the quarries is as safe as it gets. “We will be subjecting the water to rigorous treatment before pumping into Chembrambakkam lake and then using it to augment water supply,” Vishnu said.
Also, the State government has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for rejuvenating 32 lakes under Sustainable Water Security Mission in a bid to ensure continuous water supply for the city. The goal is to provide 135 litres per capita per day piped water supply. As of now, one third of the corporations and the municipalities are provided with around 110 litres per capita per day of water while nearly two-third continue to get average to poor supply. Vishnu said the State is looking to tap grey water. This is under consideration.