City all set to get water from quarries

According to water board officials, even though the board brings water from borewells located in Tiruvallur district, drinking water scarcity is prevalent in many parts of the city. 

To solve the problem, the officials have decided to draw water from the Sikkarayapuram stone quarries. “We conducted a test after pipe laying works were completed and we located some leakages while water is being pumped out to Chembarambakkam treatment plant located 3-km away from the stone quarries,” said an official. They would tap water from the quarries within a couple of days, the official added. 

Accordingly, water would be pumped out from the quarries and it would travel three km to reach treatment plant. Another official said, “This is the first time, the Metro Water Board is laying the pipeline to draw water from quarries. The pipeline is permanent so that we can tap water, whenever necessary.” Treated water would mainly be supplied to South Chennai residents, who rely on private tankers, he added. 

At present, Poondi reservoir had completely gone dry and the board is now pumping out water from Red Hills lake. However, water managers claimed that existing water would be enough for next two weeks. “Water in Chembarambakkam and Red Hills lakes is sufficient to meet the city’s demand for the next two weeks. 

Further, treated water from stone quarries and the water available in the Porur lake will be more than enough to tide over the crisis for next two months,” said an engineer.