Chennai Reservoirs Near Full Capacity After Heavy Monsoon Rains
Chennai is witnessing a significant improvement in its water storage situation as key reservoirs approach full capacity, promising a stable water supply in the coming months. Continuous rainfall and increased inflows from catchment areas have substantially improved levels across the city’s major drinking water sources, including Poondi, Puzhal, Chembarambakkam, Red Hills, and Cholavaram.
According to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, the combined storage across these reservoirs now stands at 8.328 TMC ft out of a total 11.757 TMC ft, marking a healthy 70.9 per cent of overall capacity. Puzhal Lake, one of Chennai’s main sources, is nearly full at 91.9 per cent capacity, holding 3.034 TMC ft with a water level of 20.11 ft. The lake’s inflow and outflow remain balanced, receiving 210 cusecs and discharging 209 cusecs.
Chembarambakkam Reservoir, contributing significantly to the city’s water supply, currently holds 2.126 TMC ft at 17.96 ft, representing 58.3 per cent capacity. The reservoir receives an inflow of 705 cusecs while releasing 195 cusecs for municipal and irrigation needs. Poondi Reservoir shows a similar positive trend, holding 2.559 TMC ft at 33.13 ft, with inflow at 1,390 cusecs and discharge at 787 cusecs.Red Hills Reservoir, or Thervoy Kandigai, maintains 85.6 per cent capacity at 34.41 ft, while Cholavaram remains the most underfilled, at only 16.7 per cent of its capacity, holding 0.181 TMC ft with minimal inflow. Officials report that 3.272 TMC ft of Krishna water has already reached Chennai, supplementing reservoir levels with controlled discharges at 297 cusecs.
Experts note that while Poondi and Puzhal reservoirs are nearly full, Chembarambakkam shows moderate storage, and Cholavaram remains relatively low. With the northeast monsoon yet to reach its peak, Chennai’s overall water security is in a favourable position compared to previous years. Authorities emphasise that ongoing monitoring of inflows, releases, and reservoir levels will ensure sustainable urban water management, balancing municipal supply, irrigation, and environmental needs.Officials added that continued rainfall and effective management of inflows and discharges are critical to maintaining reservoir stability. Enhanced storage not only ensures uninterrupted drinking water supply but also supports groundwater replenishment, improves urban green cover, and contributes to the city’s eco-friendly and sustainable planning goals.As Chennai braces for the peak of the northeast monsoon, citizens can expect improved water reliability while authorities maintain vigilance on reservoir operations to prevent flooding, contamination, and imbalance in supply distribution.
