In the last one year, nearly 100 new manufacturing units have come up in the neighbouring districts to supply packaged drinking water to Chennai. But, production of packaged water is decreasing steadily — the reason being depletion of groundwater resources.
With the water supply by Chennai Metrowater dwindling, city residents are turning to private water suppliers to bridge the widening gap. Of about 1,500 manufacturing units established across the city, nearly 425 of them are concentrated in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram.
The growing demand for packaged drinking water to fill the gap of supply through other sources has encouraged more players. Bureau of Indian Standards, Southern region, which is the licensing authority, has received about 260 applications so far this year seeking to start a water plant from various parts of the State.
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However, the average drawal and treatment of packaged drinking water in each unit has dipped by 10-15 % over the past one month. According to manufacturing unit holders, normally, 25,000-30,000 litres is treated and packaged daily and this has been reduced by up to 7,000 litres a day due to depleting groundwater table across the State.
K.Rajaram, chairman of Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association said the water table has depleted by 10-20 feet and some units have closed down due to intense competition and less production.
The volume of daily sales has increased from 1.40 crore litres to 1.60 crore litres in the city since March. But, the demand is estimated to go up to two crore litres this month. “We may not be able to meet the demand because of the dipping water table,” he said.
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One solace for the consumers is that the price of packaged drinking water that jumps to new high every year may not go up due to competition. A.Shakespeare, the association’s founder noted that the wholesale rate for 20-litre drinking water packed in bubbletop varies between ₹ 5 and ₹ 7. But, when it reaches the consumer, it is priced between ₹ 30- ₹ 40 and those of major brands are priced up to ₹ 80.
Members of the association seek a system to regulate the price. The summer demand has also meant misuse of the ISI mark provided by BIS.
According to BIS, nine raids have been conducted and bubbletops with substandard water quality were seized for misuse of ISI mark over the last year. “We have also cancelled licences of eight units for continued misuse of ISI mark. Periodic surveillance would be increased to check on such incidents,” said an official.
EOM
Infopoints
*Bubbletops contribute to 80 % sales of packaged drinking water and water sachets account for 15 %
*Demand for packaged drinking water is expected to increase to two crore litres daily this month
*BIS has received nearly 260 applications seeking licence so far this year
*The gap between demand and supply of packaged drinking water may increase by 10-15 %
EOM