Water Board braces for harsh summer next year
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With dry conditions prevailing and water demand expected to rise next year, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) is taking all possible measures to address them.
The advanced preparations include uninterrupted drinking water supply in the city, particularly in areas dependant on Singur and Manjeera reservoirs.
Earlier last week, the Board said that private sewage treatment plants in gated communities, apartment complexes and large residential and commercial projects will be mapped as potential sources of treated water, to maximise the use of treated water for non-potable purposes and reduce dependence on Board’s piped-water supply.
A recent high-level review meeting deliberated on a comprehensive contingency plan to assess existing water resources, demand patterns, the distribution network and possible disruptions.
According to HMWS&SB managing director K. Ashok Reddy, areas facing high demand, low pressure and those at the tail end of the distribution network are to be identified for possible network strengthening. He instructed officials to identify the interconnections, valve operations and pipeline links required to shift supplies to alternative sources.
The focus is also on restoring non-functioning power borewells that could serve as emergency sources during summer. A review of the capacity of existing tanker filling stations to assess the need for additional points based on summer demand will also be conducted. Officials were instructed to locate filling stations closer to areas requiring water to reduce unnecessary tanker movement.
Alongside enforcement measures, the Board also plans to launch a wider public awareness campaign on water conservation. Officials will use social media and field-level programmes to promote responsible consumption and explain the importance of conserving water.
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