Chennai: Metrowater on Friday seized eight electric motors used to draw drinking water illegally from pipelines at hostels and residential premises in Alapakkam, Maduravoyal and Taramani. The action followed inspections by special monitoring teams formed by the water utility to prevent pressure fluctuations in the drinking-water distribution network and ensure equitable supply to consumers across the city.Officials found illegal suction motors installed on drinking-water pipelines at hostels and residences. These booster-type suction motors are illegally fixed directly onto Metrowater’s public distribution pipelines to forcibly pump extra water into overhead tanks or sumps at homes and hostels — a practice that reduces pressure in the network and deprives neighbouring households of their fair share of supply, officials said. Similarly, in Taramani under the Adyar zone, officials found illegal motors being used to draw water from pipelines on the premises. All eight motors were seized.With Friday’s seizures, the total number of illegal water suction motors seized by the utility has reached 97. “We have also issued notices to owners of the premises where the motors were found, warning them against using such devices to draw drinking water illegally. Those found violating the rules again will face action under the relevant legal provisions,” said a senior official. The special monitoring teams will continue inspections across the city.
