Chennai Metrowater has decided to make it mandatory for special and multi-storeyed buildings to install facilities to recycle waste water in order to get new water and sewerage connections.
Though waste water recycling was made mandatory since 2002, only a few buildings were complying to the rule, according to a press release.
In a bid to tackle water stress, it has been decided to make it mandatory for large apartment complexes to separate toilet water and waste water generated from bathing, cooking and washing clothes and utensils. While those buildings with two floors categorised as special buildings and multi-storied buildings are required to follow the new rule, individual houses are exempted from the regulation.
The separated grey water must be recycled and used for purposes like toilet flushing, gardening and car washing. It could also be used to recharge groundwater. The toilet water alone should be flushed into the sewerage system.
The water agency has also asked all existing special and multi-storeyed buildings that received building approval after 2002 to set up appropriate water recycling mechanisms by December. A minimum of 15% of the city’s future water demand can be met through wastewater recycling, the release said.
Buses for students
The government has decided to operate special buses to help students appearing for final examinations to cope with the heat wave-like condition across the State.
In a meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan said the School Education Department must ensure that schools are closed from Friday and special classes must not be conducted.
She instructed that all Corporations and municipalities must prepare and implement the action plan to tackle the heat wave-like conditions.
Shelters and drinking water stalls must be set up in public places.
Besides creating awareness about effects on health, officials were advised that medicines must be made available to treat heat stroke patients. Construction workers must also be advised to take precautionary measures while on work.
