Representative imageThiruvananthapuram: Depleting storage in the Aruvikkara dam, the lone source of drinking water to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, has forced the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to ration the pumping of water to city from Tuesday.
As the state is in the grip of a severe summer, curbs would be imposed on supply and use of water, Kerala minister for water resources Mathew T. Thomas said.
The minister added that the department would weigh options to draw water from the Neyyar dam to the Aruvikkara reservoir.
The water level in the reservoir, the treatment point, depended on the inflow allowed into it from the Peppara dam, from where water is pumped to suit the needs of the city. The water from the reservoir is also used by the KSEB for power generation.
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On an average, the city needs 400 million liters of water a day. According to officials, water storage at the Aruvikkara reservoir and other small-scale irrigation projects would only be enough for a month. As part of contingency plans, there will be restrictions on supply between 6 am and 6 pm.
The KWA would operate control valves in the pipeline network systematically during the daytime to ensure adequate water supply to low-lying areas in the city.
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In view of the drought-like situation, use of drinking water for other purposes, including construction activities, had been banned. Special squads will be formed to check wasteful use of water and stringent action will be initiated against those who waste or misuse water, KWA officials added.
