Water crisis: KWA to boost Aluva WTP output; Kochi to get additional 10 MLD water

With Kerala Water Authority’s (KWA) tender to enhance the efficiency of its 225 MLD water treatment plant (WTP) in Aluva finalised and agreements inked, an additional 10 MLD of treated water will be available for Kochi and its adjoining areas.

According to KWA officials, new motor pump sets will be installed at the WTP, replacing the old ones.

“These pump sets are being changed after more than two decades. Once the new ones are installed, there will be more discharge of water, and therefore more water can be distributed to Kochi and adjoining panchayats. The whole region will benefit when this additional water becomes available,” said a KWA source.

Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod said that while the additional 10 MLD could offer some relief, the city is in dire need of adequate water, which can only be achieved by setting up the 190 MLD WTP.

“Kochi experiences a daily drinking water shortage of around 50 MLD. The additional 10 MLD will provide some relief. A permanent solution can be reached only by setting up the 190 MLD WTP and building a new reservoir to replace the partially collapsed Thammanam water tank. Only this can solve the water woes of the city,” said the MLA.

The three pump sets, along with the standby pump sets, will be replaced. The tender and agreement, worth ₹27.36 crore, for the “augmentation of water supply system in Kochi city and adjoining areas and urgent measures at the 225 MLD WTP at Aluva” has been inked.

Three pump sets are currently operational at the WTP, with each providing a discharge of 55-60 MLD.

“We are not getting the required discharge from these pump sets because of their old age and wear and tear. The new ones will bring an additional 10 MLD. It is expected to take another six months to receive the pump sets after placing the order, as the design will have to be approved and other procedures completed. Once the pump sets are changed, they will improve efficiency and bring an additional discharge of three to four MLD of water from each pump set,” said a KWA source.

Along with replacing the motor pump sets, the high-tension cable will be upgraded and the approach road repaired.

The installation of a single pump set will take at least 10 days, the source added.

“This work requires a lot of precision. So it will take around 10-15 days to install one pump set. But while each one is being replaced, the standby pump sets will remain operational. There will therefore be no supply disruptions, and pumping will continue as usual,” the source said.