The water agency is fixing bulk water meters in 33 distribution lines within the Kilpauk campus, which will enable Metrowater to monitor distribution, assess water loss and ensure equitable supply across Chennai
Kilpauk Water Works, Chennai’s first water treatment plant, housed at the heritage building, will soon receive its long-awaited upgrade. The detailed project report to improve the plant’s efficiency is likely to be completed by this month-end.
Revamping the 111-year-old plant, which is an integral part of Chennai’s protected drinking water infrastructure, has assumed greater significance due to ageing components and the growing demand of the expanding city.
Spread over 66 acres, the facility currently treats and supplies about 230 million litres of water (mld) everyday against its full capacity of 270 mld, due to a damage in the third conduit line, that carries water from the Red Hills reservoir. Nearly 231 mld of water is now conveyed through the two other conduit lines, including one built in 1914.
Officials of the Chennai Metrowater said the facility distributed water to various areas, including Ayanavaram, Kellys, Kolathur, Anna Nagar and Pudupet. Some of the old components, including control panels and the cranes used for maintenance, are being used since the plant’s construction. A high-tension pump house has been functioning since 1936 to handle Chennai’s daily water needs. The facility had new infrastructure added in 1990.
Officials said that Shah Technical Consultants Private Limited, appointed through the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services, has been tasked with recommending replacement of machinery to upgrade the water treatment and pumping efficiency.
The consultant would also suggest the latest treatment technology and additional infrastructure required. The plant is now using conventional treatment process of sedimentation and rapid gravity filtration. The project aims to enhance the plant’s capacity to its maximum, officials said.
The consultant would also have to propose measures, including design to reconstruct dilapidated conduit line in the stretch between Rajamangalam and the treatment plant. Encroachments posed a major challenge to complete the work and enhance raw water transmission. The scope of the DPR also covers preparation of project estimates and bid documents, officials said.
The water agency is fixing bulk water meters in 33 distribution lines within the Kilpauk campus, which convey drinking water to areas such as Shenoy Nagar and Villivakkam. This project would enable Metrowater to monitor distribution, assess water loss and ensure equitable supply across Chennai.
Source & Image: https://surl.lt/gghekd
