Chennai: Just when the city needed it most, Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh has begun filling the Poondi reservoir in Tiruvallur district. Since Saturday, an average of 180 cubic feet per second (cusecs) has been released from the Kandaleru reservoir into the Krishna Canal, delivering water to Poondi and boosting its storage, a senior Water Resources Department (WRD) engineer said on Tuesday.
Current Storage Levels
Poondi reservoir currently holds 1,165 million cubic feet (mcft), which is 36 percent of its total capacity of 3,231 mcft. WRD engineers stated that the inflow will continue until the onset of the northeast monsoon, which typically begins in October.
The combined storage across six reservoirs that supply water to Chennai, including Veeranam in Cuddalore district, stands at approximately 7,075 million cubic feet (7 tmc). This is lower than the 8,355 mcft recorded on the corresponding day last year. Officials noted that the current reserves are projected to be sufficient to meet the city's water needs for the next seven months.
Operational Improvements at Chembarambakkam
Metrowater officials reported an operational improvement at the Chembarambakkam reservoir following the commissioning of a second pumping line. The new line is drawing 450 million litres per day (MLD), which has enhanced distribution and reduced complaints from residents at the tail end of the supply network regarding non-availability of water.
Daily Supply and Distribution
Metrowater continues to maintain a daily supply of 1,250 MLD to the city, up from 1,096 MLD supplied during the same period last year. Officials attributed this increase to stronger reservoir positions and the inflow of Krishna water.
Reservoir-wise Storage Details
As of Tuesday, the storage levels across the reservoirs were as follows:
- Cholavaram: 89 mcft (capacity 1,081 mcft)
- Red Hills: 1,896 mcft (capacity 3,300 mcft)
- Kannankottai Thervoikandigai: 341 mcft (capacity 500 mcft)
- Chembarambakkam: 2,965 mcft (capacity 3,645 mcft)
- Veeranam tank: 619 mcft (capacity 1,465 mcft)
Authorities said the city passed the recent summer without any water scarcity. With current storage levels and anticipated seasonal rains, officials expressed confidence in managing the water supply through the coming year and avoiding shortages next summer as well.
