Clean sumps, pump out rain, says Metrowater

CHENNAI: Metrowater, which has started supplying piped water, on Monday asked residents to clean up their sumps.
Water supply was concentrated in low income areas since summer due to acute water shortage. Following excess rainfall, the daily supply was increased from 550 million litres per day (mld) to 650 mld last week.
To increase piped supply, Metrowater has reduced the number of daily trips made by water tankers from 7,000 to 4,700.As areas with piped connections did not receive supply for several months, Metrowater has advised residents to clean the unused sumps. A press note from Metrowater said, "Due to inundation in streets, rainwater has entered sumps in residential buildings."
The water supply and sewerage board has asked residents to use the tanks for storage only after cleaning them using bleaching powder. "The available water in the underground sump should be pumped out. The sump should be cleaned with bleaching powder to store fresh water for use," an official said , adding that residents may contact Metrowater offices for guidance.
During an acute shortage a month ago, Metrowater drew water from Porur lake, Sikkarayapuram quarries and agricultural fields in Tiruvallur. As the city reservoirs are filling up fast, Metrowater has stopped tapping these sources. The combined level of the four reservoirs at Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Cholavaram and Redhills is 38% of the total capacity.