The summer season in Kochi frequently presents difficulties related to water shortages. As the population increases and urban development continues, apartment complexes may face issues with water supplies. By preparing in advance, the impact of a water crisis can be minimized, ensuring that residents have the necessary resources. Here’s a detailed guide on how apartments in Ernakulam can improve their water management practices during the summer months and beyond.

Water Scarcity in Summer

Kochi, known for its tropical climate, experiences extreme heat and dry conditions in the summer months. While the region does receive monsoon rains, the dry period places significant pressure on water resources, particularly as the population continues to grow and urbanization progresses. The city is largely dependent on groundwater, which is being extracted at an unsustainable pace. To satisfy the demand, residents commonly use borewells, tankers, and piped water from nearby sources, but these solutions are increasingly struggling to meet the growing consumption during the summer. The problem is further complicated by the limitations of the existing infrastructure, which was not designed to meet the demands of modern urban environments. Therefore, it is crucial for apartment complexes to adopt proactive approaches to manage the potential crisis effectively.

Water Conservation Practices

Water conservation must be a primary focus in any approach designed to reduce the summer water crisis. Apartment complexes can initiate this effort by encouraging their residents to adopt water-saving habits. Basic actions, such as turning off taps when not in use, repairing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances, can lead to meaningful reductions in water consumption. Adjusting daily routines can greatly decrease the overall water requirements of the community. For example, promoting the use of buckets instead of hoses for car washing, along with advising residents to take shorter showers and to run dishwashers only when they are fully loaded, can result in a notable decrease in water usage. These small but meaningful changes, when adopted by a large community, can effectively reduce water wastage.

Implementing Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting presents an environmentally friendly approach to increasing water supplies during dry conditions. Apartment complexes can consider investing in rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, which are capable of collecting and storing rainwater for future use. These systems operate by collecting rainwater from rooftops, filtering it, and storing it in tanks or underground recharge pits. The adoption of rainwater harvesting systems in apartment complexes can effectively reduce their reliance on external water sources. This method contributes to recharging local groundwater levels, improving the overall sustainability of the water supply in the area. 

Greywater Recycling Solutions

Another effective strategy for reducing the overall water demand in an apartment complex is through greywater recycling. Greywater refers to the wastewater generated from activities like handwashing, bathing, and laundry. Through proper treatment, this greywater can be reused for purposes such as garden irrigation or toilet flushing. This not only conserves fresh water but also reduces the amount of wastewater discharged into the sewage system.

Maintaining Borewells and Wells

Apartment complexes that use borewells or private wells as their main water source must undertake regular maintenance to ensure a consistent supply throughout the summer. The over-extraction of groundwater can lead to a reduction in water levels, making the borewell ineffective. To prevent this issue, it is important for apartment complexes to continuously monitor the water table and assess the condition of the wells. This can be performed through periodic testing to confirm that the water quality remains safe for consumption.

Conclusion

With the rising challenges of water scarcity, it is important for apartment complexes to adopt proactive measures to ensure a consistent water supply, particularly during the summer season. At Kent Constructions, recognized as the best builder in Kerala, we are focused on integrating sustainable water management solutions into our projects. Together, we can make an impact in addressing the water crisis and creating a more sustainable urban future for Kochi.