All set for treated quarry water supply to city from today

Officials said that water from these quarries would be diverted to the Chembarambakkam treatment plant, after which it would be supplied to residents. According to officials, all the reservoirs in Chennai city have gone dry owing to deficit in rainfall last year. 

In order to cater to the water requirements of the city, officials explored the possibility of using the water in abandoned quarries around the city. “As part of the plan, 22 quarries were identified at Sikkarayapuram near Mangadu in Kancheepuram district. 

Samples of the water were sent for test to find out if it was fit for consumption. Tests were conducted by experts from King Institute, Centre for Environmental studies and Geological department Anna University to ascertain the quality of water,” said an official. 

Further, they also conducted trial operations on June 2 and it was successful. Thankfully, the quality of water after treatment was found to be fit for consumption, said another engineer.  Subsequently, a project costing Rs 13.63 crore was conceived and tender was floated. 

“Water from the quarries will be continuously pumped, at the rate of 30 million litres per day, to the treatment plant and then distributed for public use from Friday,” the official said. 

“We are planning to pump water for 100 days and totally 3,000 million litres per day will be drawn from the quarries. All the works, including laying of a 4 km-pipeline, installation of motors and generators have been completed,” added the official.