Studies conducted by French firm SUEZ to assess the condition of Kerala Water Authority (KWA) pipelines in Kochi Corporation have found significant deterioration in pipelines in several localities, especially in Kaloor and Karuvelipady divisions. Substantial deposits have been observed inside the pipes, restricting water flow, according to sources. Several pipelines running beneath the backwaters have also been identified as sources of contamination and are slated for replacement. Such pipelines have been identified in Karuvelipady, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry.
The French firm, which took over the operation and maintenance of water distribution in Kochi, has been carrying out surveys as part of its work. The KWA had signed an agreement with SUEZ last year to optimise water distribution in Kochi. The ₹1,141.28-crore project is funded by the Asian Development Bank. “The general condition of the pipes is not good. The pipes are old and there are deposits within the pipe, such as sand, mud etc. This reduces the diameter of the pipe and thereby the water-carrying capacity of the pipes,” said a source with SUEZ.
The source also added that the condition of asbestos as well as cast iron pipelines is also bad. ”Leakages have been observed in PVC pipes as they are broken in some areas. We will also relocate the pipes that go underneath backwaters as they are sources of contamination. These are preliminary observations and a full picture will emerge only after all the surveys are completed,” the official added.
The firm has also completed the door-to-door consumer survey in over 2.2 lakh houses in Kochi Corporation. The survey is expected to end in another 15 days, a KWA source said. “We expect to get the network design from the firm by November 15, following which we will vet it The implementation and construction will start from next year,” said the source. The non-destructive testing of the water utility’s reservoirs, pump houses, and other infrastructure is also underway. The testing of the reservoirs at Thammanam, Elamkulam, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry has been completed, and results are awaited.
Published – October 10, 2026 05:00 pm IST
