The city could have over 200 ‘Any Time Water’ kiosks by the year-end to quench the thirst of its residents, at a price. Mayor Bonthu Ram Mohan made this announcement, after inaugurating first such kiosk on Necklace Road near NTR Garden, here on Saturday.
Josab International AB, Sweden and Natures Spring Eco Tap Pvt Ltd., have bagged the order for setting up the kiosks from GHMC and Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) under Build-Own-Operate model.
Each kiosk will have an independent water treatment unit, which will purify the water supplied by the water board, by the use of a mineral. The mineral has unique properties of absorption, ionization, reduction, and micro-filtration. The patented technology has got advantages of zero water wastage, no usage of chemicals and most importantly retention of natural minerals required for human body, a statement from the company said.
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A proposal for installation and operation of over 250 ATW kiosks across the city will be forwarded to the GHMC, the statement from the company said. The project will be on for seven years. Expected water requirement for each unit is 4,000 litres per day which will be supplied by the water board. GHMC has in principle agreed to provide necessary land for installation of the units; each requires 150 square feet.
Water can be collected by inserting a coin or using special id cards issued by the agencies. Every glass of water costs ₹1, while a litre of water is priced at ₹ 2.