A study conducted by the Haritha Keralam Mission as part of preparing a water budget for local bodies in Ernakulam found that water availability in the Kochi Corporation remains surplus for most of the year but slips into deficit from late November to early May.

The water budget prepared by for 96 local bodies, including the Kochi Corporation, found that the major challenge in most parts of the district is not water availability but the inability to conserve water.

The total water requirement of the Corporation is 93.48 million cubic metres, while water availability stands at 116 million cubic metres. The difference of 22.52 million cubic metres indicates that much more water is available than what is required, said the report.

According to the report, the Corporation experienced water deficit from the last 10 days of November until the first 10 days of May.

“The water budget is prepared based on water availability and its utilisation in a region. It compares water availability and demand over a duration of 10 days from June of one year to May of the next year,” said Renjini S..

“Rainfall is the main source of water and the key challenge lies in conserving the water received through it. The water budget, prepared by calculating the difference between water availability and consumption during the June-May water year in each local body, will help local bodies plan conservation strategies better,” she added.

She added that excess reliance on water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority had not only put pressure on supply networks but also led to the neglect of other sources such as wells and waterbodies. “This points to the urgent need to revive waterbodies and ensure their conservation,” she added.

In order to determine water requirements, demand from sectors such as domestic use, agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and tourism was taken into account, she added. The water budgeting exercise was carried out by the Haritha Keralam Mission along with local bodies and various departments. The Centre for Water Resources Management and Development provided technical guidance and support for the exercise.