Chennai Metro Water deploys ultrasonic sensors to prevent sewage overflow ahead of monsoon

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has installed ultrasonic level sensors at sewage pumping stations to monitor sewage levels in real-time and provide early warnings of abnormal conditions ahead of the northeast monsoon. The move marks a shift from reactive, complaint-based management to preventive and predictive sewerage operations.

The board is strengthening its digital complaint system for faster response and coordinating with the Greater Chennai Corporation to prevent stormwater ingress into sewer networks. Currently, 49 works related to sewage and water supply are under progress across the corporation limits, with street handovers scheduled after the monsoon season.

Metro Water has also intensified a rainwater harvesting awareness campaign, advising residents to clean rooftops and maintain recharge wells. A 2022-23 survey found that of 10.27 lakh buildings in Chennai, approximately 7 lakh had functional rainwater harvesting structures, while 1.85 lakh structures were unmaintained.