Thiruvananthapuram: Water supply remained erratic in several parts of city on Monday, a day after Kerala Water Authority (KWA) completed repairs to a damaged 500-mm cast iron transmission pipeline at Pattoor. Residents and business owners complained that they were yet to receive normal supply.The pipeline was damaged on Saturday during tree-cutting work done as part of a public works department project, disrupting water supply to several localities, including Pattoor, Vanchiyoor, Mathrubhumi Road, Chirakkulam, Moolavilakam, Thampuranmukku, Petta, Chakka, Palkulangara, All Saints, Vettucaud, Shanghumugham and Kochuveli. Although repair work was completed on Sunday and pumping resumed later in the day, restoration was delayed in many areas.The prolonged disruption affected households and commercial establishments. Residents said they had to rely on bottled water and nearby hotels to meet their daily needs. They alleged that no alternative arrangements, including water tankers, were provided during the outage.KWA officials said the delay was caused by air trapped in the transmission pipeline after it was drained for repair work. “Once a major transmission main is emptied, air enters the pipeline. After pumping resumes, the trapped air has to be released gradually through air valves before water can flow normally to all areas. Pressure is being restored in phases, and normal supply is expected to resume soon,” said a KWA official.Reshma G, who runs a cake shop in Petta, said the sudden disruption severely affected her business and water hadn’t reached the area despite repair work completion. “Our customers won’t accept delays in service because of water shortage. Water is a basic necessity and if we struggle even for that, how can businesses function smoothly?” she asked.Lakshmi N, a resident of the affected area, said her family continued to face difficulties as water supply wasn’t restored. “We have been managing without regular water supply for two days. Even after authorities said pumping resumed, water has still not reached our area. We hope the issue is resolved soon,” she said.
