KOLLAM: Kollam district’s first water ATM is being set up in Nilamel panchayat. The machine delivers purified water upon inserting coins or smart card issued by the panchayat. For just Rs 10, the machine delivers five liters of water which should be collected in containers brought by the customer.
“The ATM will be set up near the panchayat office with an aim to cater pure drinking water to the customers. The machine delivers water that has been purified six times. Based on the success of this machine, more places in the panchayats will get water ATMs,” said A.M. Rafi, panchayat president.
A liter of water from the machine would cost Rs 5, five liters for Rs 10, 10 liters for Rs 20, and 20 liters of water will be dispensed for Rs 40, based on a pre-set menu in the machine.
The machine has a storage capacity of 800 liters and will be available round the clock.
The machine accepts coins and prepaid smart cards provided specially by the panchayat. There will be facility to recharge the smart card using smart phones over the internet.
The water ATM is provided by a private firm in Kollam and the panchayat has signed an agreement for five years to maintain the machine.
