Have you ever thought of why every summer the Capital faces water crisisIJ Why do Delhiites complain about low pressure supply and contamination it the waterIJ
During summer, the demand for the water peaks to 1,000 Million Gallons per day (MGD). However, Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the agency responsible for supplying potable water produces about 820 MGD which is 180 MGD less than what city requires. In the coming years, it is expected that the demand for water will rise even further.
Explaining about the shortage of water in summer, RS Tyagi, member DJB (water) said, “Due to the seasonal variation, water problems are seen in many parts of the city. In summer, DJB produces the same capacity of water as in winter i.e. about 800 MGD. As demand and consumption for water increases in peak hot days, therefore, water shortage with low pressure occurs. In winter, people tend to use less quantity of water and they feel that water is supplied in enough quantity.”
About the contamination of water, Tyagi highlighted a few reasons. He said, firstly when there is no water in the pipeline and people switch on the motor it creates suction in the pipeline. “Due to the presence of air and rust, the water forms iron oxide and therefore dirty and red water comes through the pipe initially.
“Secondly, old connection should be properly replaced and closed with the new water connection. Thirdly, at times sewage water mixes with the drinking water due to leakages in pipelines. As major water contamination issue rises in the Walled City area because the sewer pipeline and water pipeline run closely,” he said.
Besides, people don’t clean their water tanks on a regular basis. “Within a six months time, sand settles down and dust particles come through the tap. Therefore, tanks should be cleaned in every six months. Also, people should store water in clean containers,” he said.