Hyderabad water board prepares contingency measures for projected summer demand

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board is preparing measures to maintain drinking-water supplies during what it expects could be a difficult summer next year. Dry conditions are prevailing and demand is expected to increase, according to The Hindu. The board is focusing particularly on parts of the city dependent on the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs.

A recent high-level review examined available water resources, demand patterns, the distribution network and possible disruptions to supply. Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy instructed officials to identify areas facing high demand, low pressure or their position at the end of the distribution network.

Officials are also to examine the interconnections, valve operations and pipeline links needed to move water from alternative sources if necessary. The board plans to restore non-functioning power borewells so they can serve as emergency sources during the summer. It will also review the capacity of existing tanker-filling stations and determine whether additional points are required.

Officials have been asked to locate filling stations closer to areas that may require tanker supplies. The stated aim is to reduce unnecessary tanker movement while improving the board’s ability to respond to local demand. The board is also preparing to map private sewage-treatment plants in gated communities, apartment complexes and large residential and commercial projects.

Treated water from these facilities could be used for non-potable purposes, reducing reliance on piped drinking-water supplies. Alongside these operational measures, the board intends to run a wider public-awareness campaign through social media and field programmes. The campaign will promote responsible consumption and explain the importance of conserving water.