Metrowater lorries sans lining waste water: Association

Drinking water wastage has become a concern as the metropolis is reeling under water shortage. The four major lakes -- Poondi, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Redhills -- have only 508 mcft left as on Wednesday.

“We use leather linings on the lid to prevent leakage of water from the tankers. However, many Metrowater lorries do not have this and the officials are indifferent in addressing the issue,” N Nijalingam, president, Tamil Nadu Private Tanker Operators Association, said.

Nijalingam added that private tankers would not fill water to the full capacity of the tankers to have some free space. This prevents the loss of water during travel.

“We will always leave space for 50 litres. Due to water scarcity, we are also facing challenges in meeting the demand. So, we advise our customers to use the water reasonably,” he said. The association has nearly 12,000 water tankers of various capacity and each lorry supplies at least four loads every day.

Meanwhile, Metrowater officials said that they have directed the owners of contract lorries that operate for the Metrowater to curb water wastage. “If tanker lorries waste drinking water while transporting, we will take action against the contractors,” an official said.

A lorry owner explained that water coming out from hoses behind the lorries is actually water leaking from the lid. “To prevent the tanker from rusting, leaking water will be collected by the hoses at the top and discharged on road,” he said.

Apart from wastage of water on roads, a major quantity of water is being wasted at filling stations, where the contract tanker lorries get water, as the Metrowater is yet to install automated water dispensing system. 

However, the official said that smart filling posts, similar to petrol pumps, would be installed in filling stations after the elections.

The demand for lorry water has been increased and the online bookings have crossed 50,000 per month. But, the Metrowater has only around 1,000 water lorries and could only manage to deliver around 40,000 per month.