Sewage-mixed water flows out of handpumps in Ice House

According to residents in the area, more number of households depend on the handpumps for daily water usage. They added that the black coloured water is flowing out of hand pumps with a stink. However, they have not lodged any complaint with the metro water board officials. 

Residents alleged sewage contamination of the water and lamented that the issue is recurring during the summer season, every year. Malik, a resident, said, “The area has around 500 handpumps and the water is contaminated. Fearing health issues, we don’t drink this water. We are buying packaged water for money.” 

He demanded the officials to take required steps to solve the drinking water issue in the locality. Shajahan, another resident, said, “Unlike in the past, water is not fast flowing from the pumps as there is no pressure. 

Adding to the issue, the water is mixed with sewage. We cannot afford to buy water by paying money and we are afraid that children might fall sick due to this.” When contacted, a senior metro water official said, they had not received any complaint from the residents. 

“However, we will inspect water in the area and send the sample to the lab for inspection. Though some areas had such issues, we sorted out the issue,” said a spokesperson of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). 

Asked about the possibility for contamination, the official replied negatively. “We are intermittently taking sample from observatory wells. So, there is no possibility for contamination,” he added.