40 lakh litres to be drawn from Porur lake every day

With the groundwater table having dropped to alarming levels, Porur Lake was identified as a potential source of supply for nearby areas. Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB) and King Institute, Guindy, tested samples taken from the lake and found it fit for consumption. A temporary plant was set up near the lake to conduct the tests. After the lake storage was found fit for consumption, a permanent purification plant with a capacity of 40 lakh litre per day was set up at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore in an area of 1080 sq ft.  The plant was inaugurated by Municipal Administration Minister SP Velumani and other officials on Tuesday. 

The total capacity of Porur lake is 5 crore cubic feet (mcft). At present, the water body has a storage of 1 crore cubic feet. From this, 40 lakh litres will be drawn per day. The equipment to ensure the supply to Valasaravakkam, KK Nagar and Alandur, include 2 motors of 50 horsepower each and 12 high pressure purification cylinders and three filter cylinders. The purification filters have been imported from Israel. To transport the water, a pipeline of 300 metres in length and 250 mm diameter has been laid, which will be connected to the Veeranam pipeline. This purification plant will function throughout the year and will not be restricted to the drought-hit months alone.