Muddy water upsets residents

CHENNAI: The drinking water supplied in several areas of Meenambakkam by the local Town Panchayat is discoloured and muddy. This has left the residents shocked, besides leaving them with too little water for everyday use.The water supply situation was never rosy for the residents of Dr Ambedkar Street and other neighbouring residential localities in Meenambakkam.Erratic and inadequate supplies have been plaguing the area for quite a long time now. As if this was not enough, the water is discoloured and sometimes a foul odour emanates.The locality has over a thousand houses. While a section of them have municipal water connections, others depend on the public taps on the streets to draw water. S Kamaraj, a resident of Ambedkar Street, says that the problem of muddy water has been going on for about two weeks now. “Left with no other option, we have to buy water cans. This is not affordable for people like us who depend on everyday earnings. Officials must immediately resolve this problem,” he demanded.Bagyammal, an elderly resident, said that it was a painful chore for her to draw water as she had to filter it with clothes. “It takes twice the normal time to fetch water. During rains, it is even worse,” she said.M Jebaraj complained that certain residents who had water connections inside their houses used high power motors to draw water directly from the tap. “This is slowing down the flow of water supplied on public taps.” Officials must take steps to ensure that only appropriate motors intended for domestic purposes are being used to fetch water, he said. Several others wanted the officials to permanently address the issue of erratic and inadequate supply.A Public Works Department official conversant with water distribution system said that accumulated silt deposits and corrosion in the supply network were the major reasons for the discolouration.When asked, the officials promised that the problems of the residents would be addressed.On the importance of safe drinking water, the WHO says, “The quality of drinking water is a powerful environmental determinant of health. Assurance of drinking water safety is a foundation for the prevention and control of waterborne diseases.” Will the Meenambakkam Town Panchayat authorities realise its importance and act accordingly?