SEVAI SHGs produce drinking water earthen pots in Amoor area.

 Pottery production for drinking water by SEVAI SHGs in Amoor Cluster

SEVAI Women Self Help group members produce earthen pots for drinking water in Amoor region of Trichirappalli District. The age old Indian tradition of storing drinking water is in earthen pots by families. For generations, earthen pots have been used to store water and keep it cool. Many find the temperature of the water - not too warm and not too chilled - makes it ideal for drinking. The Potter promoter Poongothai in Amoor in SEVAI Centre mentions, “It is vital that the stored water be boiled first. There are in-numerous numbers of pores present in the mud pot and that actually made the difference. When we store water in a mud pot, the pores are getting wet and filled with water but they never leak because of the surface tension. When the outer surrounding gets heated, the water droplets present on the pores get evaporated by keeping the temperature of the water inside the pot same forever. This scientific fact provides a cool effect to the water stored in the mud pot. In addition to these, if you cook your favorite dishes in the utensils made up of mud it will give a natural taste with aroma. So, as for as possible support for the mud utensils and support for the natural way of living. Bring the required water to a rolling boil for one minute. Allow the water to cool naturally. Once it reaches room temperature, you can store it in a clean mud pot. Keep your mud pot clean and germ-free. Earthen pots can retain water and collect scum quickly. It is best to scrub, clean, and dry the earthen pots after each use before refilling it. If you stay in an area where the water is salty, the pot may accumulate a thin white of salt and chemicals. Try adding some chlorine tablets to your water to make the particles settle down. If you use earthen pot, keep it covered at all times to prevent insects, dust and other contaminants from falling into it. Use a clean, long-handled ladle to spoon out water from an earthen pot. Dipping a glass or touching the water with your hand may contaminate it. Do not forget to filter your water before you store in the earthen pot. There are various types of earthen pots produced in rural Tamilnadu and sold in the market. A small earthen pot may be easy to handle, whereas a larger earthen pot may be harder to move around. Place the pot on a sturdy table near the window. The breeze will help keep the water cool. During the hot months you may want to wrap a clean moist cloth around the earthen pot for quicker cooling. Some believe keeping the earthen pot away from the light and in total darkness could keep the water way cooler than anything. Watch out for any cracks and chips and replace your earthen pot if it leaks. The cooling process works through evaporative cooling. Water seeps from mini-pores in the pot and evaporates, thus making the water inside cooler than the outside temperature. Hence it is used only during summers and not in winters”. -Govin