Continuous Rains Benefit Chennais Drinking Water Supply
Posted on: 06/Nov/2023 10:49:34 AM
Uninterrupted rains in Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts have led to an increase in water availability in the lakes that serve as vital sources of drinking water for Chennai. Over the past week, these districts have experienced intermittent, predominantly light to moderate rainfall, which has significantly augmented the flow of water into the main lakes, ultimately bolstering Chennai`s water supply.
Here is an overview of the current water levels and capacities in key lakes:
Puzhal Lake :
With a capacity of approximately 3,300 million cubic feet and a height of 21.20 feet, Puzhal Lake currently holds 2,726 million cubic feet of water, with a water level of 18.58 feet. For Chennai`s drinking water needs, 159 cubic feet of water are discharged per second.
Poondi Lake :
Poondi Lake, with a capacity of 3,231 million cubic feet and a height of 35 feet, now contains 1,833 million cubic feet of water, with a water level at 30.40 feet. For Chennai`s drinking water requirements, 40 cubic feet per second are released, along with an additional 30 cubic feet per second of surplus water via the baby canal.
Cholavaram Lake :
This lake, which has a capacity of 1,081 million cubic feet and a height of 18.86 feet, currently holds 613 million cubic feet of water, with a water level of 13.99 feet.
Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai Reservoir :
With a capacity of 500 million cubic feet and a height of 36.61 feet, this lake now contains 438 million cubic feet of water, with a water level of 34.74 feet.
Chembarambakkam Lake :
Chembarambakkam Lake, having a capacity of 3,645 million cubic feet and a height of 24 feet, currently holds 3,132 million cubic feet of water, with a water level at 22.05 feet. Authorities from the Water Resources Department have disclosed that 107 cubic feet per second, along with an additional 50 cubic feet per second of excess water, are being released to fulfill Chennai`s drinking water and Chipcot requirements.
The increased water levels in these lakes are a welcome development for ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water to Chennai.
