Shimla, Oct 15 (IANS): Less than three months after its installation, a drinking water ATM here, the first in Himachal Pradesh, has been lying defunct for almost a week, locals said Wednesday.

"The water ATM has not been operational for a week now. Despite complaints to the company, no steps have been taken to repair it," local resident Ramesh Chand told IANS.

Another resident Rattan Lal Gautam said the company has even refused to refund the money charged for the prepaid card.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the innovative water dispensing system at the Ridge July 28 to provide clean water to tourists and locals.

The machine was dispensing a litre of water for 50 paise.

Non-profit group Piramal Sarvajal has put up the water vending machine, which can also be operated through prepaid cards.

It is extremely simple to use a water ATM, like any usual ATM. The customer swipes a prepaid card and chooses the amount of water he wishes to buy.