Wondering which spot to dig for groundwater or what is the quality of water in the land you own? Are you still thinking of folks walking around with those peculiar ‘Y’-shaped twigs? It’s not quite that way any more.

We’ve become more scientific, we’re using special tools to figure out where the water lies. The ‘we’ in this case refers to the State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre, Taramani, which provides consultancy services to identify groundwater potential.

The centre is also set to improve its water testing laboratories in Chennai, Tiruchi, and Madurai, at a cost of Rs. 5 crore, to test more parameters.

On an average, the staff members of the centre functioning under the Water Resources Department carry out nearly 30 field inspections every month to choose suitable sites for digging wells.

“We survey the site with a geophysical receptivity metre to check the depth of water availability and soil condition. We also analyse the water quality using the equipment. Consumers can get results about groundwater table and quality in a week,” said an official.

Consumers can save time by not having to sink deeper bore wells unnecessarily. Farmers, residents and commercial establishments also make use of the service, which is offered for Rs. 500 for farmers and Rs. 1,000 for others.

“As per the government order, consumers will also have to provide transport facility,” the official added.

To increase patronage, the centre plans to hold more awareness meetings on its services and groundwater among residents and students.

At present, the water testing lab in Taramani gets only around 30 to 40 samples every month. The lab also has facilities to test the presence of harmful heavy metals like cadmium and pesticides in groundwater.

“We are taking measures to create awareness about the water testing facility and expand the infrastructure of the lab. We have the facility to test up to 29 parameters. Consumers can get up to 18 parameters tested for Rs. 250 and get results in three days through post or in person,” an official said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by K. Lakshmi / Chennai – October 31st, 2014