Chennai, Oct 15 : With continuous rainfall and steady inflows from catchment areas, Chennai’s key drinking water reservoirs are rapidly nearing full capacity a positive sign for the city’s water security in the coming months.
According to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, the Poondi, Puzhal, Chembarambakkam, Red Hills, and Cholavaram reservoirs, which collectively supply Chennai’s drinking water, now hold 8.328 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) of water out of a total capacity of 11.757 TMC ft, translating to a robust 70.9 per cent storage level.
Among the reservoirs, Puzhal lake has nearly reached its brim with a water level of 20.11 ft against a full capacity of 21.20 ft, holding 3.034 TMC ft — about 91.9 per cent of its total. The lake is currently receiving an inflow of 210 cubic feet per second (cusecs) and releasing 209 cusecs.
Poondi reservoir is also in a strong position, holding 2.559 TMC ft at a level of 33.13 ft, which represents 79.2 per cent of capacity. Inflow here stands at 1,390 cusecs, while discharge is 787 cusecs.
At Chembarambakkam, one of Chennai’s largest reservoirs, the water level is at 17.96 ft, storing 2.126 TMC ft, or 58.3 per cent of capacity. It receives 705 cusecs and discharges 195 cusecs to Metro Water, SIPCOT, and irrigation channels.
The Red Hills (Thervoy Kandigai) reservoir has reached 34.41 ft, holding 0.428 TMC ft, or 85.6 per cent of its total capacity, with a discharge of 17 cusecs. Officials also confirmed that 3.272 TMC ft of Krishna water has been received so far, with 297 cusecs being released at a level of 1.15 metres.
Only Cholavaram reservoir remains relatively low, with water at 4.58 ft (out of 18.86 ft) and storage at 0.181 TMC ft, or 16.7 per cent of capacity.
Officials said the city’s overall water situation appears comfortable this season, particularly as the northeast monsoon has yet to reach its peak. With continued rainfall expected, Chennai’s reservoirs are likely to reach safe storage levels, ensuring adequate water supply through the months ahead.