Kochi Corporation to survey public taps to curb water bills

image for representation | Photo Credit:  K.K. MUSTAFAH

The Kochi Corporation is set to commission a survey to identify unused and illegally installed public taps, while steps will also be taken to geo-tag and meter those currently in use.

The decision was taken following discussions at the last council meeting, where the drain on the Corporation’s coffers caused by ‘superfluous’ public taps came in for criticism.

According to a letter issued by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) on November 6, 2025, there were 5,444 public taps within the city limits, based on which the Corporation has been making a monthly payment of nearly ₹1 crore.

“The Corporation overseer has been directed to submit a report on public taps within a month, in coordination with Junior Health Inspectors, who have been tasked with conducting a division-wise survey with the support of the respective councillors. We will provide the KWA with the actual number of public taps required, after which payments will be made only for those taps, based on their metered usage,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.