Old and clogged pipes slash water flow in Kochi, study finds

Findings

A study by French firm SUEZ has found that ageing pipes in Kochi are severely clogged, cutting water flow in many areas. The survey showed major deterioration in Kaloor and Karuvelipady divisions, where sand, mud and other deposits have narrowed pipe diameters. Pipes running under the backwaters at Karuvelipady, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are also contaminated and slated for replacement. SUEZ, which took over operation and maintenance of KWA's water distribution last year, noted that asbestos and cast‑iron pipes are in poor condition and that PVC pipes are leaking in some spots.

Next Steps

KWA expects to receive a new network design from SUEZ by November 15, after which the plan will be vetted and construction will begin next year. The door‑to‑door consumer survey covering more than 2.2 lakh households will finish in about 15 days. Non‑destructive testing of reservoirs at Thammanam, Elamkulam, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is complete, with results pending.

Context

Older pipe networks often accumulate deposits that reduce flow and can leak, especially when they cross water bodies. Replacing these lines is a common step to improve water supply reliability in growing cities.