Water scarcity add to Kochi's summer woes

KOCHI: With mercury level soaring to record levels, many areas  in the city, including Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Cheranelloor,  have been experiencing water scarcity for the last few days. Leakage in the distribution network, ongoing Kerala Water Authority repairing works and the sharp increase in consumption have  resulted in the acute shortage.

The residents of Kathrikadavu and Kaloor have complained that there has been a sharp fall in water supply during the last one week. “We’ve been getting muddy water for the last few  days. Since most of the households here are solely dependent on KWA supply, we find it difficult to meet even the daily needs,” said K. Rohini, a homemaker residing at Kaloor.

However, KWA officials refuted any burst or leakage in the main pipeline network and cited the unprecedented increase in consumption and depleting water level in  Periyar river as  major reasons for the scarcity.

“As the region has been in for an early  summer with the temperature rising steadily from early February, most of the water sources have dried up. Potable water supplied by local bodies and the KWA connection are the only sources of water in the city and on the outskirts. With more water  being drawn from the supply line, the tail end areas in the distribution network are not getting enough water,” said a KWA official.

Meanwhile, some of the western parts of the city have started getting additional water from Muvattupuzha river with the commissioning of Piravom project. “Though areas like Thevara and Konthuruthy are now getting sufficient quantity of water, leakage in pipeline and public taps is a major concern,” said Elizabeth teacher, division councillor.