Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has drawn up an ambitious plan to augment drinking water supply in the city region by increasing treatment capacity by around 150 MLD and modernising the ageing distribution network at an estimated cost of more than Rs 200 crore.The proposal comes amid mounting pressure on the city’s water supply system due to rapid urbanisation, expansion of residential townships, the IT corridor and the Vizhinjam region. KWA officials said the city’s daily water requirement has crossed 400 MLD. While that much water is pumped into the network, a significant portion is lost before reaching consumers because of leakages in ageing transmission and distribution pipelines.“The city has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, particularly at Kazhakkoottam, Vizhinjam and other suburban areas. The demand for drinking water has increased considerably and the existing infrastructure is under tremendous pressure,” a senior KWA official associated with the project said.As part of the expansion, KWA has proposed a new 100 MLD water treatment plant at Aruvikkara. Officials said the additional plant would significantly enhance the city’s treatment capacity and ensure a more reliable water supply.To strengthen the distribution network, KWA also plans to lay a new transmission pipeline connecting Aruvikkara and Peroorkada. The pipeline will help channel treated water to rapidly developing areas such as Nalanchira, Kazhakkoottam and neighbouring localities. Officials said ongoing replacement of ageing pipelines, many of which are more than five decades old, would reduce transmission losses, improve pressure and enhance the efficiency of the network.In another key proposal, KWA plans to establish a 25 MLD water treatment plant at Vizhinjam, one of the regions that has repeatedly faced acute water shortages. The plant is proposed to draw raw water from the Vellayani source and supply treated water to Vizhinjam and nearby areas. Officials said that although a 20 MLD treatment plant is already functioning in the region, it proved inadequate during last summer’s severe water shortage.“Replacing old pipelines alone will not solve the problem. While new transmission mains will reduce leakages and improve water flow, additional treatment capacity is equally essential to meet the city’s growing demand,” the official said.KWA officials said nearly 40% of the water supplied is estimated to be lost through leakages caused by ageing pipelines. They expressed confidence that the twin strategy of expanding treatment capacity and upgrading the distribution network would substantially improve water availability across the city.“We are planning for the future. These projects are aimed not only at addressing the present shortage but also at ensuring adequate water supply as Thiruvananthapuram continues to grow,” the official added.
