The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's (KMC) water supply department has taken a significant step to address water wastage by implementing water meters in upcoming constructions. This initiative aims to gauge neighbourhood water consumption patterns and minimize the significant loss of treated water. Following a survey in the Dum Dum-Cossipore region, the program is being expanded to other parts of the city, starting with the Mukundapur area. The KMC plans to install water meters in all new constructions, including individual apartments and housing complexes. The move comes after alarming figures revealed high water consumption in certain households, prompting officials to take measures to curb wastage and promote responsible water use in Kolkata.
In Kolkata, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's (KMC) water supply department has initiated a significant measure to combat the wastage of treated water by implementing water meters in upcoming constructions. This proactive approach not only aims to gauge neighbourhood water consumption patterns but also seeks to minimize the significant loss of filtered water. Following a comprehensive water consumption survey conducted in the Dum Dum-Cossipore region, the KMC is broadening this program to various other parts of the city. The next phase includes installing water meters in multiple households in the Mukundapur area, near EM Bypass. The KMC is resolute about incorporating these meters in all new constructions, including individual apartments and larger housing complexes. The primary objective is to curtail the wastage of filtered water, considering it a vital step toward sustainable water management. The survey results from the Dum Dum-Cossipore area revealed alarming figures. Shockingly, it was discovered that approximately 18,655 households consumed an average of 300 litres of water per member. More astonishing was the discovery that a single household with five members was utilizing an astounding 3500 litres of potable water every day. This misuse raised concerns among officials, particularly Mayor Firhad Hakim, considering the substantial funding directed toward collecting and treating raw water from the Hooghly River. The expenditure for treating raw water at three primary treatment plants has surpassed Rs 700 crore. Although the city produces an ample supply of water to meet its residents' needs, addressing water loss could potentially allow for a distribution of 150 litres per member within households, according to a KMC official's estimation. Beyond the installation of water meters, the KMC is actively adopting strategies to curb wastage. These measures encompass installing ball corks in underground water reservoirs to prevent overflow, monitoring dilapidated and porous reservoirs, and addressing the issue of frequently open roadside taps contributing to water wastage. To address this problem, the KMC intends to seal roadside taps if residents persist in keeping them open or damaging them, despite repeated appeals. These proactive initiatives underscore the municipality's commitment to conserving water resources and ensuring the efficient use of treated water. This commitment reflects a sustainable and responsible approach to water management in Kolkata.
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