Chennai: With the city reeling under severe water crisis, it becomes the responsibility of every individual to be responsible. Given the intensity of scarcity, it is not shocking for several places that receive sewage water in freshwater lines.
Yes, it has been happening in our city and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) officials state that it occurs due to the negative pressure created within the pipeline that delivers sewage water when the supply lines are intersected.
It may be noted that the ominous situation is not seasonal, but there are several households that have been surviving off with sewage water. If you are getting freshwater, count your blessings. But do not just stop with it, ensure you utilise the resource judiciously and waste not, even a single drop.
In several parts of the city, groundwater is being plummeted. For instance, in Selaiyur, people have resorted to drill borewells. Gone are the days when the city got water at just few metre of digging, we now have to go deep up to 200 metre at the least, to get a cue. It is that serious, so think twice when you water wash your vehicle often.
On the flipside are the waterbodies that has become unfit for consumption. We have so many lakes, yet we cannot source water for daily usage. Is not this an irony? Totally.
But who caused it? Experts point out both the government and residents. Yes, excessive desire for money has made them do a shoddy job and the truth that a major chunk of the population are innocent about the city’s infrastructure that has contributed to it.
It is the lakes that have become the collecting point of sewage in several cases. We may have to pause here for a while and laud the efforts of citizens who are well-aware and doing their duties.
Additionally, we can go back to the roots and bring the alum (aka padikaram in Tamil) back in our daily lives. The stone absorbs all the dust and waste particles, leaving the water clean. However, excess aluminum does not do any good, hence an expert intervention has to be sought about proportion.
Coming back, it is never too late to realise and be a responsible citizen. Little things can make a huge difference, when seen collectively.
| Keep in mind |
| * Fix leaky faucets * Ensure the tap is closed while you brush & shave * Retrofit flushes and taps wherever it is required * Do greywater recycling * Time your gardening activities * Re-use RO waste water |