The turbidity level in the Periyar has increased due to various reasons. The filter media which de-silts turbid water was installed in 1965 and water filtering has become a difficult task for the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). To find a permanent solution to the issue, the Corporation included the renovation of the plant in the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP). “The tender will be invited for the work after the general council of KSUDP gives its sanction for the project,’’ Deputy Mayor C M Dinesh Mani said.

“Once the plant is automated we will be able to ensure uninterrupted and quality water supply to the city. We are deciding the dosage of chemicals to purify the water through jar test.

It is time consuming as we can fix the dosage only after getting the result.

But the level of turbidity in the Periyar changes frequently.

The delay in fixing the dosage is affecting the quality of water adversely,’’ said K M Siddique, assistant executive engineer, KWA.

For the last few days, water supply to the city had been disrupted due to leakage in the intake well of the plant.

It was after much effort that the KWA restored the supply on Sunday morning. According to KWA officials, if glass reinforced fibre pipes are replaced with mild steel pipes this problem can be solved permanently.

This work has also been included in the Rs 19-crore project.