Chennai Has Enough Water for the Next Six Months, Say Officials

Residents of Chennai are unlikely to face a drinking water shortage over the next six months, as the city`s reservoirs currently hold more than 6 TMC of water, according to officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Chennai receives its drinking water from the Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai, Chembarambakkam, and Veeranam reservoirs, which together have a total storage capacity of 13,222 million cubic feet (mcft).

As of July 3, these reservoirs contained 6,139 mcft of water, which is around 46.43% of their total capacity. During the same period last year, the storage stood at 7,670 mcft, meaning the current level is lower by 1,531 mcft.

At present, Chennai receives around 1,244 million litres of drinking water every day, including 1,089 million litres supplied from the reservoirs and about 155 million litres produced through desalination plants. In comparison, the city received around 1,097 million litres per day during the same period last year.

Although rainfall in the reservoir catchment areas of Kancheepuram district has been about 19% below normal during June, and the city`s water demand has increased, officials have assured that there is no immediate cause for concern.

According to Water Board officials, Chennai requires approximately 1 TMC of water each month. With more than 6 TMC currently available, the city has sufficient drinking water to meet its needs for the next six months.

Officials also pointed out that desalination plants continue to supply around 157 million litres of water per day, providing additional support to the city`s water resources.

Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department has requested the release of Krishna river water, and efforts are also underway to release water into the Veeranam reservoir. In addition, the Northeast Monsoon, expected to begin in October, is likely to further improve water availability.

Considering these factors, officials have stated that Chennai is not expected to face any drinking water shortage over the next six months.