Panaji: State govt is constructing various new water treatment plants and allied infrastructure and soon Goa’s water treatment capacity will double from current 677MLD to over 1,000MLD per day, drinking water minister Subhash Phal Dessai said in a written reply in the assembly.He said that new plants have been completed, nearing completion or are under trial run at Xelpem (100MLD), Tuem (30MLD), Assonora (30MLD), Pilerne (15MLD), Morlem (15MLD), Bicholim (10MLD), Mormugao (10MLD), Siolim (5.6 MLD), and Canacona (5MLD).The minister said that these plants nearing completion itself will soon up the water treatment capacity by 366MLD.Additionally, planning of new water treatment plant projects is in process at Cavrem-Pirla, Vadem-Curdi, Cola and Gaunem, while construction of overhead and ground level tanks and sumps are in progress in over 80 locations to enhance supply, he saidThe minister said the daily shortfall ranges from 25MLD up to 62MLD, including losses of treated water during supply.The minister said that the shortfall is including the demand of the floating population.“The present daily supply ranges from 633MLD to 670MLD with minimal shortage. The supply hours range from 2 to 24 hours and the percentage of consumers who receive 24X7 supply is presently around 26.5%,” Phaldesai said in reply to Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.He said that the present shortages were caused by short duration or localised issues “primarily due to pipeline breakdowns, power disruptions, equipment failures and increase in demand during peak hours”.Already 973km of pipelines have been replaced over five years and central govt funding is being sought for new pipelines in rest of the areas, said the minister. He said it will take up to seven years to replace the ageing pipelines.“Generally, losses occur in water supply system due to various reasons like leakage from mains which are often caused by ageing infrastructure, corrosion, or poor joint quality. Small background leaks can persist for years without being detected. Sudden pipe burst or failures are sometimes caused by high pressure, pressure fluctuations or ground movement (subsidence/ construction). Water is also lost when storage tanks or service reservoirs are not properly monitored and overflow due to sensor or valve,” Phal Dessai has said.He said losses also occur due to water theft and illegal connections, unauthorized tapping into the water mains bypassing of meters.The minister said that modernisation of treatment facilities, distribution network and storage system, accurate GIS mapping of transmission and systematic reduction of non-revenue water is required to provide 24X7 supply in Goa.
