Usually, private water tankers make hay while the sun shines — literally. However, this season, water shortage is so severe that private operators too are unable to meet the spiralling demand owing to lack of groundwater resources.
Many residents are now opting for water from private water though it is expensive compared to Metrowater due to delay in supply. However, water quality often is compromised as groundwater extracted from the city fringes, particularly Poonamallee belt, is not treated.
K.J. Varsha, a resident of Mahalingapuram, said: “We have stopped getting piped water supply for a week now and there is no groundwater resource to rely on. My apartment complex needs 10 tanker loads of water every month and we sometimes spend up to ₹9,000 on mobile water supply.”
Lorry operators across the city noted that they are able to meet only half the demand from residents.
S. Bharathi, joint secretary, South Chennai Private Lorry Operators Association, said there are about 300 lorries serving customers along Rajiv Gandhi Salai and up to Adyar. “Each lorry is able to accept only five trips a day as it takes more time to source water from Kelambakkam, Ponmar and Mambakkam belt now. We are unable to scale up trips even if there is a demand for 3,000 to 3,500 trips daily. The quality of groundwater has turned saline and it may last just for one or two months in agricultural wells,” he said. Those operating to other areas such as north and central parts of the city from Poonamallee belt instruct consumers to use water within few days as it would get discoloured. P.S. Sundaram, president of Chennai Private Water Tankers Association, said, “It now takes over an hour to source water from borewells in the region. We don’t accept more bookings as we may not be able to supply water.”
However, there has not been much hike in prices due to competition, note lorry owners. A 12-kl load of water costs between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500. “We may have to increase the price in a couple of weeks if there is no rain,” Mr.Sundaram added.
