Chennai: Metrowater has installed 372 of a planned 456 flow meters across its treatment plants, distribution stations and filling stations, as part of a ₹44.93 crore drive to track how much water the city loses before it reaches consumers.Metrowater managing director T Anand inspected the meters at the water distribution station in Manapakkam, Alandur zone, and at the Ramakrishna Nagar pumping station in Valasaravakkam. He said the remaining 84 meters will be installed soon.The meters are meant to help measure non-revenue water (NRW) from the sources. The water is pumped but never billed either because it leaks out of ageing pipes or as it is drawn through illegal connections. High NRW not only means physical wastage but also revenue loss, as Metrowater bears the cost of treating and transporting water that ultimately goes unbilled.Metrowater officials say the metering data will serve two purposes. To find out how much treated water is going unaccounted for, and to identify supply gaps between different parts of the city, which will help make distribution more equitable. Water meters for new domestic connections are mandatory under the revised water and sewerage connection scheme, officials added.Metrowater draws around 1,250 million litres a day for more than 17 lakh consumers. Nearly 98% of the city’s water connections are unmetered. Metrowater officials said its smart metering programme for households and commercial establishments aims to cover 80% of connections by next year.“Metrowater keeps announcing ambitious projects, but several parts of the city are still deprived of basic water connection. Along with the new infrastructure, they should make sure the existing network is well maintained and clean water is supplied. Metering will help Metrowater increase its revenue and improve its water management,” said M Kishore, a resident of Ayanavaram.
