In a significant move to ensure access to clean drinking water for all, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on June 18, inaugurated 50 free automatic water dispensing machines across high-footfall areas in Chennai. The project, implemented by the Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), is valued at ₹6.04 crore.
The Chief Minister marked the launch by inaugurating the first machine near the Marina Beach swimming pool, where he also sampled the purified water. CMWSSB has installed these automatic water dispensing units at 50 selected locations across 12 zones, including Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Thiru.Vi.Ka. Nagar, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam and Adyar. These strategic locations include bus stands, parks, temples, government hospitals, commercial hubs, railway stations, schools, colleges, and metro stations, ensuring wide public access. A three-year operation and maintenance contract has also been awarded for these machines.
Each machine stores water in Sintex tanks with a capacity of 3,000 to 9,000 litres, which then undergoes purification through ultrafiltration, carbon filters, and UV irradiation. The purified water is stored in two rust-proof silver tanks, dispensed as safe drinking water in quantities of 1 litre and 150 ml. The entire system is managed via modern IoT (Internet of Things) technology, allowing online monitoring and maintenance. This ensures immediate alerts to engineers when water levels are low, facilitating quick refills. CCTV cameras have been installed at all locations and are monitored from CMWSSB’s central control room to prevent theft and vandalism, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of safe, purified drinking water to the public.
