With the city’s major reservoirs continuing to receive inflow and storage touching 94% of their capacity, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has marginally increased discharge to maintain safe levels.
Two of the reservoirs - Poondi and Red Hills - have reached their capacity. The one in Chembarambakkam may reach its full storage by Thursday, noted officials of the WRD. This would secure drinking water supply to Chennai for another year.
Though rainfall has receded over the region, the reservoirs continue to get steady inflow from catchment areas and other storage structures. Poondi reservoir, for instance, recorded an inflow of 1,050 cubic feet per second (cusecs), a large share of which is being diverted to other reservoirs through the link canal.
Surplus discharge
WRD officials said a minimal amount of surplus water would be discharged through reservoirs’ shutters until inflows gradually drop. “Water is being diverted from Poondi to other water bodies to replenish water drawal for the city’s consumption and maintain full capacity. This step will also prevent release of additional flow into the Kosasthalaiyar river,” said an official.
