Overview
The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is the statutory body responsible for the supply of drinking water and the management of sewerage services in the Indian state of Kerala. It functions under the Water Resources Department of the Government of Kerala and is the principal agency tasked with planning, designing, executing and maintaining urban and rural water supply schemes across the state.
Key Facts
| Name | Kerala Water Authority |
|---|---|
| Type | State government statutory body |
| Sector | Water supply and sewerage |
| Jurisdiction | State of Kerala, India |
| Parent department | Water Resources Department, Government of Kerala |
| Headquarters | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Predecessor | Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) |
Background
Before the formation of the Kerala Water Authority, water supply and sanitation works in the state were carried out by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of the Government of Kerala. With expanding demand for piped water in towns and villages, and the need for an autonomous body capable of undertaking large-scale capital works and tariff-based service delivery, the state government decided to constitute a dedicated water utility.
The Authority was established under the Kerala Water Supply and Sewerage Act, which provides its statutory framework, powers and functions. It took over the assets, schemes and personnel of the erstwhile PHED engaged in water supply and sewerage works.
Functions
- Planning, designing, constructing and operating water supply schemes for urban and rural areas of Kerala.
- Implementation and maintenance of sewerage and sewage treatment systems in cities and towns.
- Fixing and revising water tariffs, billing and collection from domestic, commercial, industrial and institutional consumers.
- Operation and maintenance of treatment plants, pumping stations, transmission mains and distribution networks.
- Quality monitoring of treated water supplied to consumers.
- Implementation of externally aided and centrally sponsored projects in the water and sanitation sector within the state.
Organisation
The Kerala Water Authority is headed by a Managing Director, usually a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service or a senior engineer, supported by technical directors and chief engineers. The state is divided into regions, circles, divisions, sub-divisions and sections for the operational management of water supply systems. The headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram houses central administrative, technical, finance and project wings, while field offices are spread across the districts of Kerala.
Schemes and Projects
KWA operates a large number of water supply schemes ranging from small panchayat-level systems to major urban schemes serving cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thrissur. Source waters include rivers, reservoirs and, in some areas, groundwater. The Authority has been involved in implementing projects supported by agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World Bank and centrally sponsored programmes including the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and earlier the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Significance
As the sole statutory utility for piped water supply and sewerage in Kerala, KWA plays a central role in public health, urbanisation and rural development in the state. Its performance is closely linked to the achievement of universal household tap connection targets, water quality standards and the expansion of sewerage coverage in Kerala's rapidly urbanising regions.
Related Topics
- Government of Kerala
- Water Resources Department, Kerala
- Jal Jeevan Mission
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
- Water supply and sanitation in India
- Thiruvananthapuram
References
- Wikidata entity: Q6393504
- Government of Kerala, Water Resources Department.
- Kerala Water Supply and Sewerage Act.