As existing water sources are rapidly running out, Chennai Metrowater is scouting for new sources, particularly abandoned quarries in the neighbouring districts.
At present, the city supply is being augmented with water pumped from abandoned quarries in Sikkarayapuram. Efforts are on to extract 10 million litres of water a day (mld) from Erumaiyur near Tambaram. Work to lay a pipeline to the Chembarambakkam treatment plant is in its final stages. Metrowater officials said a meeting was recently held with Tiruvallur district administration to identify new sources, including abandoned quarries and underground sources to augment the city’s water supply.
“We are exploring the feasibility to tap water from abandoned quarries near Puliyambakkam in Kancheepuram district and also sources in other places such as Thalakancheri in Tiruvallur district,” said an official.
The water board is also considering drawing water from lakes in the neighbouring districts to help sustain water supply at 525 mld.
Article source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/metrowater-scouts-for-new-sources-sikkarayapuram/article28112895.ece