Rains increase water levels in reservoirs feeding Chennai

Chennai: Heavy showers in the city and surrounding areas over the last two - three days have increased the water levels in the lakes and reservoirs that provide drinking water to Chennai. The city gets its water supply from reservoirs and lakes at Poondi, Sholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Senkundram. Compared to the same period last year, the water level in each of the reservoirs is half of what it was. Last year, all four lakes had a total of 7,362 million cubic feet (mcft) of water.

According to statistics on the Metro Water website, as of Monday, the lakes hold a total of 3,494 mcft. The total combined capacity of the lakes is 11,057 mcft. In spite of the decreased water levels, the supply to residents has not been affected much. Metro Water officials said that supply is being ensured through lorries in deficit areas, so that residents did not face any hardships.

On Sunday morning, Poondi reservoir held 262 cusecs, Senkundram lake had 155 cusecs and Chembarambakkam lake had 210 cusecs of water. Rains in the city that started on Sunday evening and extended to Monday have ensured a slight increase in the storage level of the reservoirs. On Sunday, Poondi reservoir received 1.6mm of rainfall and Red Hills received 1mm.

The city gets its water supply from reservoirs and lakes at Poondi, Sholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Senkundram.

The situation improved on Monday, with Poondi receiving 35.2mm, Sholavaran receiving 35mm and Red Hills receiving 42.6mm of rainfall. With little to no rains on Tuesday and Wednesday, the total storage for the city’s water supply stands at 3,493mcft.

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