The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has announced a significant disruption in water supply to several areas in South Chennai due to scheduled maintenance at the Nemmeli desalination plant.
The 150 MLD (million litres per day) facility, critical to Chennai’s water infrastructure, will undergo essential marine and maintenance work from May 24 to June 2. This maintenance coincides with the anticipated onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala on May 31, prompting the authorities to expedite the necessary upkeep before the monsoon intensifies. As a result, water supply to several zones will be significantly impacted, with residents in Teynampet (Zone 9), Adyar (Zone 13), Perungudi (Zone 14), and Shollinganallur (Zone 15) experiencing alternative day water distribution. The areas affected include prominent localities such as Mylapore, Triplicane, Besant Nagar, Mandaveli, Nandanam, Velachery, Neelankarai, Palavakkam, and Madipakkam.
In an official statement, CMWSSB has urged residents to store sufficient drinking water to manage the period of disruption. The board has assured that measures are in place to mitigate the impact on areas without direct water connections or those experiencing low water pressure. Water tankers and street taps will be deployed to ensure an uninterrupted supply, prioritising these areas to manage any shortfalls. The proactive announcement aims to provide adequate notice to residents, allowing them to prepare for the ten-day maintenance window. The desalination plant at Nemmeli is a cornerstone of Chennai’s water supply, converting seawater into potable water to meet the city’s growing demand. The plant’s maintenance is crucial to ensure its operational efficiency and reliability, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, which brings its own set of challenges to urban infrastructure. This scheduled maintenance is part of CMWSSB’s ongoing efforts to sustain and improve Chennai’s water supply system. The board continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades and routine maintenance to cope with the increasing demands of a burgeoning population. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for any updates or changes to the water supply schedule during this period.
The CMWSSB’s forward planning and transparent communication underscore their commitment to maintaining service continuity and addressing the city’s water needs efficiently. While the temporary inconvenience is unavoidable, the long-term benefits of maintaining and upgrading the desalination plant will be significant, ensuring a stable and reliable water supply for Chennai’s residents.
