Smart water ATMs to come up in more locations in Chennai

Chennai Metrowater has planned to expand the smart water ATM network across the city, depending on the demand from residents.

With an aim to improve the access of clean drinking water in public places, the water agency had set up water ATMs in 50 key locations to dispense water free of cost. On average, at least 40,000 litres of drinking water is consumed daily through these ATMs since June.

Metrowater has now begun adding more such facilities in areas with high usage. Officials said water ATMs are being installed in 10 more locations, including Broadway, Padi junction, GKM Colony, Kolathur, Tholkappia Poonga and near Government Stanley Hospital. The sites for the ATMS are chosen based on requests and field surveys on the residents’ needs. There are plans to add a few more water ATMs on Marina beach as the existing facility received good patronage. Other beaches such as Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur would also be covered, officials said.

Welcoming the efforts to expand the network of ATMs in Chennai, residents said the government must sustain the facilities for longer period with sufficient monitoring and maintenance.

D. Neelakannan, president, Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations of Tamil Nadu, said, “Several school students and passengers drink water from the ATM in Retteri junction. I also consumed water dispensed in some ATMs to check quality.”

“The government must take measures to install them in bus stands, hospitals and public places in areas such as Avadi and Red Hills. Periodical monitoring is important to prevent complaints of non-availability of drinking water,” he said.

Officials noted that there were no major complaints of any damage or maintenance issues. The automated water dispensing units integrated with reverse osmosis and ultra filtration systems allow users to fill one-litre bottles or 150 ml containers.

The facilities are monitored through the monitoring and control centre in Metrowater headquarters and engineers would receive alerts whenever water level drops. Measures are being taken to step up surveillance through CCTV cameras and police patrolling.