Published on: 27/04/2011
Despite a significant increase in public water supply, one million families in Chennai, about a third of the city's population, rely on sachets, PET bottles and cans of water for daily consumption. Sales of packaged water continue to soar in a state that already has 680 licensed private drinking water units.
The sale of packaged water has shot up to 6 million litres per day from 4 million litres in 2010, according to the Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Association. Now even consumers in low-income groups are purchasing water cans and sachets. At least 3.5 million litres of water are sold in cans every day.
Complaints about irregular supply and poor water quality are rife in several of Chennai's residential areas.
Said S Anand, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Pulianthope, "The water supply from the community tap is not sufficient to meet domestic needs. If the water is not tapped during high pressure, it stinks. It is wiser to spend money on good quality water than pay a huge sum at the hospital, later." Areas like Korukkupet, Pulianthope, Choolai, Pattalam and Jamalia face complaints of poor quality water. In several homes, bubble top water containers have found [a] permanent place in the kitchens.
Prices for packed water range between 25 and 80 rupees (US$ 0.56 to US$ 1.78) for 20 litres.
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Source: Julie Mariappan, Times of India, 12 Apr 2011
