Ernakulam district administration in Kerala is gaining traction with its initiative to regulate the sale of water drawn from private wells, particularly addressing the escalating demand during the summer months. The project, launched in February, aims to ensure fair pricing and prevent exploitation of water resources by private tanker operators.
Initially piloted in Thripunithura, the scheme now extends to Angamaly, Kalamassery, and Kochi taluks. Residents needing water can register their demand through a dedicated online portal or a helpline number (1800-258-8001). The administration then connects them with registered water suppliers operating within their locality.
Currently, over 1,200 water suppliers and more than 3,000 water consumers have registered. The administration has fixed maximum prices for water – ₹50 for 1,000 litres for distances up to 5 km and ₹75 for 1,000 litres for distances between 5 and 10 km. Suppliers exceeding these rates face penalties.
The initiative arose from complaints of exorbitant pricing, sometimes reaching ₹100-150 per 1,000 litres, and instances of impure water being sold. The administration conducts quality checks on water sources used by registered suppliers.
District Collector N.S.K. Umesh emphasized the project’s goal is not to eliminate private water sales, but to regulate it for the benefit of consumers. The system ensures transparency and prevents profiteering. The administration is also working to address the root cause of water scarcity through long-term solutions like rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts.
The project utilizes a mobile application for tracking tankers and ensuring adherence to pricing guidelines. Officials are actively monitoring the system and addressing grievances. The success of the initiative in these taluks may lead to its expansion across the entire district. The administration is also considering integrating the system with the Kerala Water Authority’s supply network to optimize water distribution.
