Chennai Reservoir Water Storage Falls Below 50% of Capacity Despite Krishna Water Inflow

Water storage in the six major reservoirs supplying drinking water to Chennai has dropped below 50 per cent of their combined capacity, raising concerns over water availability during the ongoing summer season.

According to data released by the Water Resources Department, the total storage in the reservoirs stands at 6.536 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) against the combined full capacity of 13.222 tmc ft, representing 49.43 per cent of total storage capacity. The current level is also significantly lower than the 8.080 tmc ft recorded during the same period last year.

Among the reservoirs, Poondi is one of the most affected, holding only 1.088 tmc ft of water against its total capacity of 3.231 tmc ft, which is just 33.67 per cent of its storage potential. Puzhal reservoir currently stores 1.647 tmc ft of water out of its 3.300 tmc ft capacity.

Chembarambakkam reservoir remains relatively better placed, holding 2.944 tmc ft of water, accounting for 80.77 per cent of its total capacity of 3.645 tmc ft. Cholavaram reservoir has only 84 million cubic feet (mcft) of water available, while Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai reservoir contains 312 mcft, or 62.4 per cent of its 500 mcft capacity. Veeranam reservoir currently holds 461 mcft against its full capacity of 1.465 tmc ft.

Officials attributed the decline in storage levels to rising temperatures and increased evaporation during the summer months. However, inflow from Andhra Pradesh under the Krishna water-sharing agreement has provided some relief to Chennai`s water resources.

As of Thursday afternoon, Poondi reservoir was receiving 230 cusecs of water from the Kandaleru reservoir in Andhra Pradesh. Officials said 250 cusecs of water was being diverted from Poondi to Chembarambakkam through the interlinking canal, while 15 cusecs was being supplied to the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board through the Baby Canal.

Authorities continue to monitor reservoir levels closely as Chennai depends heavily on these water bodies to meet the drinking water requirements of millions of residents.