French firm SUEZ has completed a door-to-door consumer survey of more than one lakh households in the Kochi Corporation to identify water-supply problems based on residents’ complaints and assess water consumption and requirements. It has also completed topographical and walkthrough surveys of the Kerala Water Authority’s (KWA) pipeline network in the Corporation.
Along with the consumer survey, the firm is currently conducting three other surveys— a structural assessment of water-supply assets, a water-flow assessment and a condition assessment of the existing infrastructure.
The pipeline network will be designed based on the findings of these surveys, said a KWA source. According to him, the contract initially covered only around 1.5 lakh houses.
“The numbers are challenging, as we expect there could be about 2.25 lakh households at present in these zones. The consumer survey will take another two months to complete. However, the firm can start designing the network in areas where the surveys have already been carried out. Once the consumer survey is completed, it will have a clear idea of the demand in each region and can proceed with the design process,” said the source.
The firm took over the operation and maintenance of the KWA pipeline network in the Corporation earlier this year. The ₹1,141.28-crore project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank.
Other tests include flow measurement, non-destructive testing of the assets and condition assessment. “Flow measurement is being carried out using flow meters to determine the quantum of water passing through a project area. This will help us understand how water is being distributed and the amount of water received in different areas.,” said a source from the French firm. Condition assessment involves cutting the pipes, inserting a camera and analysing the condition of the pipes, he added.
The non-destructive tests are being carried out on tanks in Thammanam and Elamkulam. Along with visual inspections to assess the condition of the structures, tests such as pulse velocity, rebound hammer, RESIPOD and carbonation tests, semi-destructive core tests, and chemical analysis are also being carried out.
Published – August 10, 2026 01:04 am IST
