BWSSB calls for tech support | | | Indian Express

BWSSB calls for tech support | | | Indian Express

BWSSB calls for tech support

N R Madhusudhan First Published : 08 Mar 2010 06:06:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 08 Mar 2010 06:52:20 AM IST
BANGALORE: In its efforts to supply quality drinking water to the people of the city, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is exploring possibilities of using Information Technology (IT) to test its quality. This system is already in use in countries like Singapore.
Sensors would be programmed to test the turbidity of water (the amount of suspended solids in water) and the presence of chlorine.
They would be fitted in the pipeline and at the groundlevel reservoirs through which water is pumped to different parts of the city.
The sensors will send signals, after measuring the turbidity and chlorine level, to the computers to which they are linked. If the turbidity and chlorine levels exceed the prescribed limits, officials can direct the concerned employees to do the needful.
The water is treated at the source (Thorekadanahalli and Thippagondanahalli) and pumped to the city after chlorination and adding the necessary minerals like alum. The water is also tested at the source for its contents.
There is a possibility of the growth of different types of bacteria and viruses in the water, if chlorine levels are below the prescribed levels.
These bacteria and viruses can cause water-borne diseases. The chlorine content in water decreases with time.
The prescribed level of chlorine is 0.2 ppm (parts per million) at the supply point.
If the chlorine levels in the water is less than the prescribed level, the sensors will indicate the same and chlorine can be added to the water through chlorinators.
There is also the possibility of water getting contaminated due to the seepage of sewage, mud and other impurities when there is a breakage in the pipeline.
Such seepage can be detected when the turbidity level increases.
The breakage can be fixed immediately.
A BWSSB official said, “The service provider is offering us the facility of measuring chlorine level at points where sensors are fitted.
If they can develop a software to send all the data collected at different points to one centralised server, we might consider using this technology very soon”.
At present, BWSSB has three laboratories for testing water that is supplied to the city and sewage that is discharged from the city.
One laboratory focuses exclusively on testing water.
madhusudhan@expressbuzz.com