Here are the key points discussing the availability and affordability of water in Chennai:

1. Availability Challenges: Chennai faces recurring water scarcity due to factors like insufficient rainfall and inadequate storage. Lower-income areas and informal settlements often experience limited or unreliable access to piped water.

2. Quality Concerns: Even where available, water quality might not meet standards. Alternative sources like tankers or borewells, commonly used in underserved areas, may provide unsafe water, posing health risks.

3. Affordability Issues: While Chennai offers piped water supply, affordability remains a challenge. Low-income households struggle to afford private tanker water or might rely on subsidized schemes, which might not meet their daily water needs.

4. Impact of Privatization: Private involvement in water supply, particularly through tankers, can lead to varying prices, affecting affordability across different socio-economic groups.

These factors contribute to the complexities surrounding the availability and affordability of water in Chennai, impacting various sections of society, particularly marginalized communities and lower-income households.