Due to the installation of Rain Water Harvesting Structures in Chennai City, the ground water level and quality has been improving, said Dr. K. Gopal, I.A.S., Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board.

The Managing Director further stated as follows:

In Chennai City, Rain Water Harvesting structures were installed in all the buildings during the year 2003. The water level and its quality is being observed every month through a network of observation wells in the three different types of formations existing in Chennai City.

The improvement observed in the ground water level and quality before (July 2003) and after (June 2011) implementation of Rain Water Harvesting in the three different formations viz. sandy, clay and hard rock is given under:

SANDY AREA

In sandy area such as New Washermanpet, George Town, Chepauk, Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur the average water level during July 2003 was 6.50 metre below ground level, whereas in June 2011 the water level is raised to 4.20 metre, thereby showing an improvement of 2.30 metre. Similarly the average quality of ground water (Total Dissolved Solids) during July 2003 was 2100 parts per million, whereas in June 2011 it is 600 parts per million and thereby the quality has improved by 1500 parts per million.

CLAY AREA

In clay area such as Kolathur, Pulianthope, Anna Nagar, Nungambakkam, T.Nagar and Virugambakkam the average water level during July 2003 was 6.90 metre below ground level, whereas in June 2011 the water level is raised to 4.20 metre thereby showing an improvement of 2.70 metre. Similarly the quality of ground water (Total Dissolved Solids) during July 2003 is 2000 parts per million, whereas in June 2011 it is 900 parts per million and thereby the quality has improved by 1100 parts per million.

HARD ROCK AREA

In hard rock area such as Saidapet, Guindy, Taramani and Velachery the average water level during July 2003 was 7.70 metre below ground level, whereas in June 2011 the water level is raised to 3.80 metre thereby showing an improvement of 3.90 metre. Similarly the quality of ground water (Total Dissolved Solids) during July 2003 is 2300 parts per million, whereas in June 2011, it is 1000 parts per million and thereby the quality has improved by 1300 parts per million.

The Managing Director appealed to the residents of Chennai City, to maintain the Rain Water Harvesting structures properly before the rainy season in order to get the benefits of Rain Water Harvesting continuously.

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER