KSPCB says Cauvery water can be used for drinking after conventional treatment

A report prepared by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has clarified that water from River Cauvery isn’t as bad as it is made out to be. The report stated that the water can be classified under Category-C, which means it can be used for drinking after conventional treatment followed by disinfection. However, rivers Kabini and Arkavati, both tributaries of the Cauvery, have a poor quality of water unfit for drinking. 

'A million recharge wells' to help secure Bengaluru's water future

A campaign in Bengaluru aims at securing the city’s water future by using traditional knowledge for sustainable water management. 'A million recharge wells' project to be inaugurated later this month by noted environmentalist S. Vishwanath focuses on recharging groundwater through rainwater harvesting. The project looks at establishing recharge wells across the city to catch rainwater--a well for every 700 sqm of the city to improve aquifer recharge six-fold from the current 10 percent. 

Hyderabad commissions three new service reservoirs to quench city's thirst

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has commissioned three new service reservoirs to improve the city's water supply. As a result, many neighbourhoods can now be assured of uninterrupted water supply while some may even get access to piped water supply 24x7. Inadequate water pressure, intermittent supply and improper timing are some of the woes that have been plaguing Hyderabadis for years now. 

Surat to use microalgae to help remove pollutants from River Tapi

Local authorities in Surat are seriously considering the adoption of eco-friendly technologies for dealing with River Tapi's water hyacinth problems. A bioremediation technology uses microalgae as the main ingredient which enriches water quality by improving dissolved oxygen levels and depriving water hyacinth of its nutrients. Hyacinth removal from the Tapi assumes significance as the river is responsible for contributing 1,070 MLD potable water to the city on a daily basis.

Water monitors in municipal wards to strengthen Bhubaneswar's water supply network

Water monitors are being appointed in all 67 municipal wards of Bhubaneswar by the Public Health Engineering Organisation to act as a catalyst between the government and the residents to strengthen the water supply network in the city. Ward monitors will be involved in organising community-level meetings, visiting households, distributing feedback forms in addition to collecting water tax from consumers. 

This is a roundup of news published between April 10 and 16, 2018. Also, read policy matters this week.