Moolamattom: The drinking water supply in six panchayats is likely to be affected, as the Moolamattom power station will suspend operations from tomorrow, disrupting over 100 water distribution projects that draw from its reservoir.

Several drinking water projects across Arakkulam, Kudayathoor, Velliyamattom, Alakode, Muttom and Karinkunnam panchayats rely on water from the Malankara reservoir. The suspension is also expected to impact Thodupuzha Municipality.

The primary source of water for the Malankara reservoir is the release from the Moolamattom power house after electricity generation, supplemented by water from the Vadakkanar and the Nachar rivers. With the rain subsiding, these alternative sources are already beginning to dry up, and the water level in Malankara Dam is expected to drop sharply if power generation is halted. This, in turn, will affect water levels in wells and ponds in the surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Water Authority has also warned that water distribution in most panchayats in Cherthala Taluk, Alappuzha district, could be disrupted. Locals have urged authorities to put alternative measures in place to prevent a major disruption in the water supply.