Chennai’s 1st water museum at Kilpauk pumping station

According to a CMWSSB official, the museum would come up at the 104-year-old Kilpauk pumping station building, which was built during the British era. “Unlike historical museums that house objects of historical importance, the water museum will have live models of rainwater harvesting structure, sewage treatment plant, desalination plant and others,” the official said.

Although there is huge space available inside the pumping station premises, the CMWSSB has planned to build the museum in the heritage structure without damaging it. “We have extra space in the building itself. So, there is no need for a new building,” the official added.

Explaining the purpose of building a water museum, the official said that the gallery would help students as well as the public understanding the technology used in desalination plants, treatment plants, pumping stations and the water purification techniques among various types of valves, pipes and pumps used by CMWSSB.

Large touch screen panels and an interactive kiosk with touch screen and server will also be provided in the water museum.

Apart from displaying live models and technologies, the water museum would also be equipped with amenities like toilet facilities and air conditioning. “We have floated a national competitive tender to set up the museum. The received bids will be opened on December 10 and the work order will be issued to the potential bidder after due process. The selected bidder will commence work within 15 days after receiving work order,” the official said.

Interestingly, the Kilpauk pumping station, which would house the first water museum in the city, is also the first pumping station built in Chennai.