The rising demand for water is pinching those living in the flats as tanker operators have renewed their charges, which will push up the cost of water.
Water is now supplied through tankers at a cost that ranges between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000, depending on the distance travelled, according to a representative of the Water Tanker Lorries Association. A full tanker load carries 12,000 litres of water while a mini load has 6,000 litres.
The drinking water supply from the main station of the Kerala Water Authority at Aluva with a capacity of 225 million litres a day (mld) is now stretching to 250 mld. But, this meets only half the demand.
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The groundwater level was down by at least one to three metres in July this year compared to July last year. And this has put a strain on the borewell and the well water resources. However, the groundwater department in the district, which is yet to find the latest data concerning the level of water, believes the rains in August and September would have pushed up the water level.
However, a 74-flat complex in Tripunithura, where the association had not so far been compelled to buy water from outside for the last one year , has now been buying water for the last 20 days for use in toilets and washing. There is very little seeping in of groundwater that used to provide the flat complex with all their needs. The association has spent about Rs. 20,000 in the last 20 days, paying Rs. 1000 a load. A separate storage for water supplied by Kerala Water Authority takes care of the drinking water needs.
According to the Ground Water Department official, the groundwater in a particular area is shared by a number of people and the share comes down with a rise in population.
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At Silver Lawn apartments in Edappally, the association buys 90 to 100 loads every month besides the water authority supply. The Association manages to cut their costs of water during the rainy season by going for rainwater harvesting. The load of water bought from tankers is cut by half during the time. The association was billed at Rs. 800 a load of water till recently, but the tanker suppliers have now raised it to between Rs. 900 and Rs. 1000 a load, said an executive member of the association.