Kambil: Hundreds of litres of drinking water went to waste after a major pipeline, part of the Kolachery Drinking Water Project, burst at multiple points along the two-kilometre stretch from the Narathu Family Health Centre to Kolachery Junction.

Local residents say that such pipeline bursts have become a common occurrence in the region. Several families who rely on the supply are facing significant hardships due to these recurring incidents. The continuous flow of water onto the roads is causing damage to the infrastructure too.

The main reason for these frequent bursts is attributed to the high pressure generated during the release of water from the Pazhassi Canal to the large water tanks at Vaduvankulam, Padikkulam and nearby areas.

Many of the concrete pipes in the affected areas were installed over 40 years ago and their ageing condition adds to the problem. In fact, pipeline bursts have been reported regularly in areas where restoration work has been completed and water distribution has been restored.

Residents also allege that officials from the Kerala Water Authority often visit the site for maintenance only days after being informed about a burst, allowing large amounts of drinking water to be wasted.

“The loss of water can be prevented by replacing these old concrete pipes with metal ones. Authorities should take immediate steps to install metal pipes,” said P Ramachandran, a local resident.