The officials on Sunday (August 2, 2026) clarified that despite below-normal rainfall this monsoon, the water levels in the major reservoirs supplying drinking water to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits remain adequate, and there is no immediate threat to the city’s water supply.Officials from the GVMC Water Supply Department dismissed concerns over a possible drinking water shortage, stating that the existing storage levels in the reservoirs are sufficient to meet the city’s demand.According to data released by the department, the Yeleru reservoir, continues to maintain a comfortable storage level. Against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 85.56 metres and the minimum draw level of 71.50 metres, the present water level stands at 75.10 metres.The Godavari water supply system, another major source for the city, is also in a safe zone. The present water level is 15 metres, compared to its FRL of 18 metres and minimum draw level of 12 metres.Similarly, the Thatipudi reservoir has a current water level of 285.70 feet against its FRL of 297 feet, while the minimum draw level is 251 feet.The Raiwada reservoir, which has an FRL of 114 metres and a minimum draw level of 99 metres, currently holds water at 106.45 metres.The Meghadrigedda reservoir stands at 49.30 feet against its FRL of 61 feet and minimum draw level of 44 feet. Meanwhile, the Mudasarlova reservoir has a present water level of 155 feet, compared to its FRL of 169 feet and minimum draw level of 152 feet.Speaking to The Hindu, Superintending Engineer (Water Supply) Pallam Raju said the city requires around 85 million gallons per day (MGD) of water. Of this, nearly 65 MGD is supplied for domestic consumption, while about 20 MGD is allocated to industries.He said that the Yeleru and Godavari sources together account for nearly 65% of Visakhapatnam’s drinking water requirement, and the present storage levels in both sources are adequate to ensure uninterrupted supply.Raiwada contributes around 16% of the city’s water requirement, while Thatipudi, Meghadrigedda and Gosthani reservoirs also supplement the supply. The current water levels in these reservoirs are satisfactory, he added.Responding to concerns raised over videos circulating on social media showing dry patches in the Mudasarlova reservoir, Mr. Pallam Raju said there was no cause for alarm. He clarified that Mudasarlova contributes less than one per cent of the city’s total drinking water requirement and that its visual appearance does not reflect the overall water security of Visakhapatnam. Published - August 02, 2026 07:23 pm IST