Chennai Metrowater Plans Major Expansion Across Metropolitan Area to Meet Rising Water Demand

Chennai Metrowater is preparing to expand water supply and sewerage services across the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), with demand projected to reach 2,212 million litres per day by 2060. A detailed feasibility report has assessed existing infrastructure, future requirements and potential water sources.

Chennai Metrowater has initiated plans to extend its water supply and sewerage services across the expanding Chennai Metropolitan Area. The agency is preparing to submit a detailed feasibility report to the Tamil Nadu government for approval before moving ahead with the proposed expansion.

The initiative, announced in the 2023-24 Budget, aims to address the growing demand for water and improve civic infrastructure in areas surrounding Greater Chennai.

Chennai Metrowater Expansion: Feasibility Report Prepared

Chennai Metrowater recently conducted a stakeholder meeting to discuss the feasibility report prepared by consultant Shah Technical Consultants.

The report provides a detailed assessment of existing water supply and sewerage assets, identifies infrastructure gaps and examines the availability of additional water sources. It also evaluates future demand, the projected supply deficit, additional treatment capacity and the infrastructure required for sewage collection and treatment.

Currently, Metrowater supplies an average of 1,143 million litres of water per day (MLD) to the Greater Chennai Corporation.

According to officials, the proposed expansion is important as the Chennai Metropolitan Area continues to grow in population and geographical coverage.

Water Demand in Chennai Metropolitan Area Could Reach 2,212 MLD

The feasibility report estimates that water demand across the Chennai Metropolitan Area could increase significantly by 2060.

The proposed expansion is expected to increase the service coverage to 1,189 square kilometres and serve a population of approximately 1.24 crore.

The key figures highlighted in the report include:

- Current estimated water demand: 827 MLD

- Projected water demand by 2060: 2,212 MLD

- Proposed population coverage: 1.24 crore

- Proposed service area: 1,189 sq. km

At present, Metrowater serves a population of 81.60 lakh across 426 square kilometres within Greater Chennai Corporation limits.

Apart from domestic consumers, the agency supplies around 14 MLD to industries and nearly 42 MLD to bulk consumers, including neighbouring local bodies.

Tambaram and Avadi Among Areas to Receive Expanded Services

As part of the proposed expansion, Metrowater is considering extending its services to the Tambaram and Avadi corporations, along with several l other local bodies.

The proposed coverage includes St. Thomas Mount, Poonamallee, Thirumazhisai, Kundrathur, Minjur and Kattankulathur.

Although the agency already supplies water to some neighbouring local bodies, the new proposal aims to establish wider coverage of organised water supply and sewerage infrastructure.

Ongoing projects, including the Perur desalination plant and Ring Main pipeline projects, are also aligned with the proposed expansion.

However, a senior Metrowater official clarified that no commitment has been made regarding the extension of water supply services yet. The feasibility report will serve as the basis for the State government to take a final decision.

Once approval is granted, the agency is expected to determine the implementation process and execute the projects in phases.

Additional Water Sources Identified to Meet Future Demand

Securing sufficient water sources will be a major requirement for the proposed expansion.

Metrowater has identified potential sources, including Madurantakam Tank, based on recommendations in the Water Security Plan.

According to officials, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has identified 173 additional water sources that could collectively provide nearly 1,596 MLD.

The proposed measures include increasing the storage capacity of existing tanks, developing new storage structures and creating riverine reservoirs.

Meanwhile, the Tambaram Corporation has also prepared a report proposing an additional 51 MLD of water through the Palar River.