Soon, a water museum in Chennai

Soon, Chennai will get a water museum.

In a bid to spread awareness about its water supply infrastructure, Chennai Metrowater is setting up the museum in the Kilpauk Water Works campus.

The 104-year-old water treatment plant is the backbone of the treated water supply network of the city. Raw water from Red Hills reservoir is treated here and distributed to several areas of the city.

The museum in the heritage structure will have live models of rainwater harvesting and desalination plants in Nemmeli and Minjur and sewage treatment plants.

Sources said bids have been called for the museum and work is expected to start in two or three months. The museum will help disseminate information about water supply distribution to the growing city.

It will create awareness about the functions of Metrowater and technology adopted in treatment plants and desalination facilities.

Interactive kiosks

The museum will also have models showcasing valves and pipes used as part of the distribution network. Interactive kiosks with touch screens will also be provided for better understanding of the infrastructure among students and visitors. Large touch screen panels would also be installed to display information on water and sewage treatment techniques, sources said.

Visitors would also get to learn about J.W. Madeley, the then special engineer to the Corporation of Madras, who was instrumental in executing the scientifically designed water distribution system.

Besides murals and sculptures, the project will also involve beautification work such as water fountains and landscaping. It will also be equipped with facilities such as toilet blocks. The work is expected to be completed by this year-end.