Kochi: As the turbidity level in Periyar has dipped, the quantity of drinking water supplied from the Kerala Water Authority's Aluva pump house has been increased. The turbidity level on Monday was 80 ntu (nephelometric turbidity units) and the pumping has reached almost 90 per cent of the plant's total capacity.
"Though turbidity increased late night on Sunday, it fell to 80 ntu on Monday. At present, nearly 280 MLD is being pumped from the plant while the maximum capacity is 290 MLD. The turbidity level will be back to normal only after the shutters of Idamalayar dam are closed, it seems," said Mr Anil Augustine, assistant executive engineer, KWA pump house.
Drinking water supply to areas in Kochi corporation which has been disrupted in the last couple of days has been restored. "At present, pumping is reduced in only one line while the two other lines are having normal pumping," the official added.
Meanwhile, the KWA will have to do a thorough maintenance of pumps and motors after the situation is normalised as the machines have been damaged due to processing of highly turbid water.
A high quantity of alum and chlorine was being used treat the water with high level of slush.
