Groundwater level alarmingly low in Chennai
Posted on: 08/Apr/2017 3:57:51 PM
Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has emphasised the need for the public to use drinking water sparingly and with caution especially as the groundwater level is getting alarmingly low with each passing day due to the prevailing drought conditions.
The Chennai Metro city is spread over 426 sq km. Most of this section are sandy, clayey or rocky.
The property of water penetrating into these sections varies from each other.
CMWSSB has installed 145 monitoring wells in these sections throughout the city helping to collect data and analyse the groundwater level and the briny quality of the water every month.
When comparing the groundwater levels in March 2016 and this year (2017), it is found that the groundwater level has gone down by a minimum of 0.70 metres in Sholinganallur and by a maximum of 2.88 metres in Thiru.Vi.Ka. Nagar.
The Severe shortfall of the rains during last year is the main reason attributed for the fall in the groundwater levels.
In this scenario, the public is advised to follow some measures:
- Use CMWSSB supply of drinking water only for drinking and cooking purposes.
- Use groundwater for other purposes. Arrest any leakage found in the taps/pipes.
- Keep the unused water taps closed.
- Use the drain water from the kitchen and bathrooms for the garden and plants.
