Water supply to many areas in the city was disrupted for the second day on Friday as the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) had to stop pumping from its Aluva pumping station due to the high density of salt content in the River Periyar.
Several areas in the city like Edappally, Elamakkara, Kaloor, MG Road and Palarivattom are the worst affected. If the salinity of the river water is not reduced, water supply to the city will be disrupted in the coming days, informed KWA authorities.
On Friday morning, the KWA had to stop pumping from 2.30 am to 8.15 am, while in the evening pumping was disrupted from 3 pm to 6.30 pm. “Salinity has increased to very high level of more than 2000 ppm in the lower areas of the river,’’ said Anitha, assistant executive engineer, KWA.
“During high tide in morning and evening, salinity near the pumping station has increased to nearly 450 ppm. When salt content reaches 250 ppm, we have to stop pumping as the high salt content damages the motor pumps,” said the KWA official.
Salinity in the river will be reduced only if additional water is released from the Bhoothathankettu dam. As the construction of a temporary sand bund in Purappallikkavu is yet to be completed the intrusion of salt content will continue.
Meanwhile, Kochi corporation authorities have made it clear that they were unable to address the crisis. “Tanker lorries operating in the city draw water from the Aluva pump house. If pumping is stopped, potable water supply via the tankers will also be affected,” said T.K. Ashraf, health standing committee chairman.
Most areas in West Kochi and several residential apartments, hotels and commercial complexes in the city are solely dependent on water supply through tankers.