Residents of Sholinganallur are expressing serious concerns over the quality of piped water supplied to them, reporting issues of discolouration and odour for the past ten days. This situation has forced many to rely on packaged water for their drinking needs, significantly increasing their monthly expenses.
The occupants of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board MSB tenements in Sholinganallur Phase 2, comprising approximately 1,500 families, have noted that the water being supplied is unsuitable for consumption due to its unpleasant odour and appearance. Typically, this piped water is used for drinking and cooking, but now it is relegated to non-potable purposes such as bathing and washing.
A local official from Sholinganallur highlighted that the water from the Nemmeli desalination plant, which previously had issues with high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels, is now discoloured. “We are entirely dependent on Metrowater’s supply since the groundwater here is of poor quality,” the official stated, underscoring the critical nature of the situation.
Residents have resorted to purchasing packaged drinking water, with costs amounting to at least ₹1,000 per month, as stated by A. Abivarshan, a resident of Sholinganallur. Despite multiple representations made by the residents’ welfare association to address the issue, a satisfactory resolution has yet to be achieved.
In response, officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) have acknowledged the problem and assured that measures are being taken to rectify it. To bridge the supply gap caused by the maintenance work at the Nemmeli desalination plant, water from the Veeranam tank is being routed through pipelines linked from Kelambakkam to Sholinganallur.
The Nemmeli desalination plant, with a daily capacity of treating 110 million litres of seawater, is currently undergoing maintenance. Officials anticipate that the quality of water will improve once the maintenance work is completed, which is expected to be within a week. “The TDS levels in the water samples collected from the tenements were found to be within the desired limit,” an official mentioned, adding that the blending of water from the Nemmeli plant and the Veeranam tank should enhance supply quality.
The persistent issue of discoloured water has brought to light the infrastructural and operational challenges faced by the water supply authorities. The residents’ reliance on Metrowater highlights the urgency of restoring the quality of piped water. The CMWSSB’s proactive steps in addressing the supply gaps and ensuring the completion of maintenance at the desalination plant are critical to resolving the water woes of Sholinganallur’s residents.
The resolution of this issue is not only about providing clean water but also about restoring confidence in the city’s water supply system. As residents await the promised improvements, the situation underscores the broader need for robust infrastructure and efficient maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted and safe water supply.
