Tiruchi Corporation Ramps Up Water Safety Checks as Monsoon Rains Raise Contamination Risk

The Tiruchi Corporation has intensified measures to prevent contamination of drinking water after intermittent rainfall following the onset of the northeast monsoon caused waterlogging in several parts of the city, including residential localities.

The northeast monsoon, which typically brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu between October and December, has led to intermittent showers in Tiruchi in recent days. With streets inundated and groundwater levels rising, the risk of contamination of open wells and borewells has increased. The civic body is taking steps to prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

Waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid can spread when drinking water sources are contaminated. Chlorination is a common method used to disinfect water and prevent such diseases.

Teams of sanitation and health officials are inspecting the drinking water supply network, collecting samples, chlorinating the water, and regularly monitoring chlorine levels to ensure the quality of water supplied to residents.

"At present, 1 ppm (parts per million) of chlorine is added to the water for disinfection. Drinking water pipelines and pit taps are being cleaned and monitored regularly. Superchlorination will be carried out if necessary," said M. Karthikeyan, City Health Officer.

Superchlorination involves adding a higher dose of chlorine to address severe contamination and is carried out when necessary, officials said.

The city has around 150 overhead water tanks (OHTs) that store drinking water pumped from various sources. Officials have been instructed to clean the tanks and their valve pits once every week and monitor the quality of drinking water supplied at the ward level on a daily basis.

The overhead tanks serve as storage points before supply reaches households, making their cleanliness crucial. Weekly cleaning of tanks and valve pits helps prevent sediment and bacterial growth, officials said.

In areas where underground drainage work is under way, officials have been directed to inspect drinking water distribution lines to identify and prevent possible contamination. In such areas, there is a higher risk of cross-contamination between sewage and drinking water lines, hence the directive to inspect distribution lines.

Water samples are being collected from densely populated and congested localities and sent for testing three times a week. Officials are also regularly inspecting tail-end distribution points to ensure the safety of the water supply. Tail-end distribution points are the farthest points in the network where water pressure is lowest; these are vulnerable to contamination and are therefore inspected regularly.

Pit taps are receiving particular attention as water accumulation during rainfall can create conditions conducive to mosquito breeding. Pit taps, which are public taps connected to underground pipes, can be affected by waterlogging and reverse flow. Waterlogging and reverse flow of contaminated water can cause discolouration and foul odour in the drinking water supply, Dr. Karthikeyan said. Discolouration and foul odour are indicators of possible contamination, and officials are monitoring for these signs.

He added that issues relating to water contamination are being addressed and complaints from residents are being attended to promptly. Residents can report complaints to the Corporation's health wing.

The Corporation's measures are aimed at ensuring that residents receive safe drinking water as the northeast monsoon continues. The civic body has stepped up monitoring across its supply network to prevent waterborne diseases and is taking these steps as a precautionary measure.