From Latha Bhaskar, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Posted 25 June 2009

I work with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Kerala, on wetland conservation. Currently, I am working on the Vembanad project, concentrating on the area (both land and lake) to the south of Thanneermukkom barrage of the Vembanad wetland system in Kerala. We regularly monitor the water quality of the lake. We have found the presence of large concentrations of microbial pathogens, pesticides and other chemical contaminants in the water. Water borne diseases are prevalent in this area and recently there was a cholera outbreak killing 12 people.

People in the 17 Gram Panchayats surrounding the lake depend on its water for all their domestic purpose, including cooking and drinking. They have no choice, as the piped water supply coverage is just 20%. This water comes from far off places (Tiruvalla) and is unsafe due to the leaks in the pipes, which pass through the lake. During the summer, drinking water is supplied by 35 boats, each carrying 2400 litres of water. Rainwater harvesting units exist in this area, but are not very popular as most households have thatched roofs and little space to construct storage tanks.

To provide potable drinking water to these people, ATREE plans to install a few Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) plants in selected places to filter lake water. However, these should be reliable. If they prove to be successful, they will pave the way for more such local and decentralised units. I want to learn more about R.O. plants to implement this model.

I request Community members to please share their inputs on the following:

• What are the experiences of using R.O. systems? Please share details regarding their cost effectiveness, longevity, O&M costs, safe-guards, technology diversifications, if any
• What area-specific, decentralized approaches can be adopted in places like Kuttanad, Kerala which is a waterlogged area and below the sea level?
• Please provide details of agencies and institutions installing R.O. systems.

Your inputs will help ATREE develop and implement this model for providing drinking water in these Panchayats.

Please see attachment below for the responses.