Chennai’s first water treatment plant at Kilpauk set to undergo an upgrade 

Kilpauk Water Works, Chennai's historic water treatment plant, is undergoing upgrades to enhance efficiency and meet growing demand.

Kilpauk Water Works, Chennai’s first water treatment plant and backbone of the treated water infrastructure, is set to undergo an upgrade after several decades. The consultant is likely to submit detailed project report by September.

The 111-year-old imposing structure, spread over 66 acres, remains a pivotal component of the city’s water distribution and has a capacity to treat 270 million litres a day. It now treats and distributes nearly 230-240 mld of water to several core parts in six zones up to Triplicane and north Chennai. Water is also sent to other major distribution stations such as Valluvar Kottam and Anna Poonga, which serve north Chennai.

Officials of the Metrowater noted that the plant continued to operate with a significant portion of its infrastructure still in use since its construction in 1914, despite showing signs of ageing. A high-tension pump house, with three 5 KV capacity pumps, has been operating since 1936 to ensure daily water supply. The control panels and the cranes used to carry out maintenance works in the pump house are also from the pre-Independence era.

Shah Technical Consultants Private limited is preparing the detailed project report for rehabilitation of the British-era plant. The consultant appointed through the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services would have to study the modifications needed in the plant and recommend proposals to improve the treatment and pumping efficiency and replacements. They would also have to prepare detailed estimates and bid documents.

At present, the plant uses conventional treatment method of sedimentation and rapid gravity filtration to produce treated water. The consultant would have to assess the conditions of the facility, including the status of heritage structure and the need to upgrade to new treatment process, said officials.

They recalled that the plant previously underwent major additions of new structures like underground tank and filter house in 1990. The scope of the project would mainly focus on producing drinking water up to its maximum capacity of 270 mld and enable it to meet growing water demand.

Work is in progress to fix flow meters in 31 distribution lines transmitting water to various areas, including Ayanavaram and Anna Nagar. The plant would also have SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) system to monitor treatment and distribution process and ensure equitable water supply to all areas, officials added.