Why this booklet?

For citizens of Chennai, over the years, water has been a source of concern, either permanently or sporadically. However, they are not alone in their predicament: Water has become more and more precious as the days have gone by, and its availability in adequate quantity can no more be taken for granted anywhere in the world. That water plays a vital role in our daily life is stating the obvious. Although the quantum of water needed for cooking and drinking is only about 10% of our total needs, if potable water is not available either from treated water supply or from ground water sources in the premises, it has to be purchased at considerable cost. Electrical water heaters break down fast due to corrosion of their heating elements if the water they heat is brackish. If running water is not available, washing machines may become idle or if the running water available is brackish, the clothes may not get washed to our satisfaction, even when excess soap is used. In short, life becomes comfortable only when we have access to adequate quantity of good quality water. While treated water may be available in many towns and cities, the quantum of supply may be limited or erratic. Therefore self reliance in our water needs through access to satisfactory water sources within the premises is an objective worth pursuing for all of us. This booklet presents the gist of Alacrity’s experience to date in the pursuit of self reliance in water for all its complexes.