Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions

Frequent water supply disruptions caused by a range of factors, including recurrent power failures at pumping stations, continue to cause hardships for residents of Kochi city, especially as water consumption soars amid the prevailing summer-like conditions.

The latest incident was reported from SRM Road, where a leak in the pipeline network was detected on Wednesday (September 16, 2026). SUEZ Projects Private Limited., which currently manages the drinking water distribution infrastructure in the city, was engaged in plugging the leak in the pipeline serving areas such as Pachalam and Ayyappankkavu.

“It was a leak in the joints of the age-old pipeline caused by the intensity of pumping. However, supply was neither disrupted nor restricted,” claimed Kerala Water Authority (KWA) sources.

Multiple incidents of pipe bursts have been reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month. Earlier this month, a 900-mm pipeline carrying water from the Aluva treatment plant burst near Kalamassery, disrupting supply to various parts of the city and Vypeen. The rupture was attributed to pressure variations in the pumping line caused by frequent power failures at pumping stations.

On September 9, supply to several parts of western Kochi, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery and Vypeen was hit after a 900-mm pipeline carrying water from Aluva to Perumanoor burst at Pipeline Junction, Thrikkakara. Supply was restored only three days later. A similar disruption affected households in Perandoor, Elamakkara and Punnakkal after a pipeline on Edappally Raghavan Pillai Road at Perandoor, Elamakkara, ruptured on Tuesday (September 15, 2026).

“Extreme water shortage has been affecting areas in Ayyappankkavu, Ernakulam North, T.D. Road, Kaloor–Kathrikadavu Road and Vennala for over a month. The KWA claims that the responsibility lies with SUEZ, which, in turn, insists that KWA remains in charge of pumping-related matters and that its role is limited to the operation and maintenance of pipelines. A meeting of stakeholders will be held shortly, and if the problems remain unresolved, we will launch a protest,” said P.C. Ajith Kumar, general secretary of the Ernakulam District Residents’ Associations’ Apex Council.

Pipe bursts and supply disruptions are often linked to ageing pipelines that are unable to withstand pressure variations during pumping, as well as heavy vehicles violating entry restrictions on stretches where underground pipes are vulnerable. Indiscriminate digging by various agencies also contributes to ruptures.

SUEZ is currently undertaking a survey of the supply network. “This will be followed by technology infusion, such as real-time pressure monitoring and mapping of pipeline networks. These measures will help detect ruptures without waiting for tell-tale signs such as water leaking onto roads,” said SUEZ sources.