190-MLD Aluva Water Treatment Plant to solve Kochi’s water problems

The Kochi Corporation is set to receive nearly 80 million liters per day (MLD) of post-treated water once the 190-MLD water treatment plant (WTP) at Aluva becomes operational.

Water supply to municipalities such as Eloor, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery and Aluva will also improve, with Kalamassery and Thrikkakara receiving an additional 24-28 MLD each, Eloor an additional 6 MLD and Vypeen an additional 30-35 MLD, significantly boosting drinking water supply in the region, according to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). Overall, the project will benefit the Kochi Corporation, five municipalities and 13 grama panchayats.

The government recently granted an administrative sanction for the construction of a WWTP. First proposed in 2022, the project is expected to address drinking water shortages in Kochi Corporation and surrounding municipalities and grama panchayats. An amount of ₹523 crore has been sanctioned for the project, which is to be completed within 15 months. Areas covered include Ernakulam city, Vypeen, Aluva, West Kochi and Maradu.

Once commissioned, the plant will have the highest treatment capacity among water treatment plants in Kerala. According to KWA estimates, water demand in the project area is expected to reach 598 MLD by 2050.

Pulse technology

According to KWA sources, the proposed plant at Aluva incorporates several advanced features and represents a departure from conventional treatment systems. “During the monsoon, the Periyar river experiences high levels of turbidity. As a result, there is a significant amount of suspended solids in the water. The facility has been designed with clarifier units to remove this. The purifier will use ‘pulse technology’ to effectively deal with high turbidity, while dual media filter beds have been provided to enhance the quality of the treated water, the source said.

The Aluva region is also prone to flooding. Accordingly, the WWTP was designed at a higher altitude, making it resistant to flooding. It was also planned as an environmentally sustainable facility, the source said.

The solar panels will serve to save energy by powering some electrical and mechanical equipment, including sensors, smaller capacity valves and lighting systems. The proposal and Detailed Project Report (DPR) were prepared using KWA’s in-house expertise.

With the commissioning of the plant, KWA aims to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 supply of water through a constantly full transmission and distribution system. A smart water distribution network is also planned, where sensors will be installed at key locations to monitor flow and other required parameters. Water quality monitoring sensors will enable real-time monitoring of residual chlorine and other parameters, enabling early remedial action whenever needed, the source added.

Apart from Kochi Corporation, the project will benefit Aluva, Eloor, Kalamassery, Thrikkakara and Maradu municipalities as well as 13 grama panchayats: Edathala, Choornikkara, Keezhmadu, Varappuzha, Cheranelloor, Nayarambalam, Njarakkal, Elamkunnamkamappuzha, Kumbalangy and Kadamakkudi.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 22:19 IST