Red Hills reservoir reaches dead storage, Metrowater fixes pumps

CHENNAI: Metrowater has begun pumping water from the Red Hills reservoir as it is likely to dry up in a few weeks.


The level at Chembarabakkam, Poondi and Cholavaram - had reached dead storage in January. Now, the Red Hills reservoir has reached the same position and Metrowater has begun fixing pumps to supply water to Kilpauk overhead tank.

As per the officials, the Poondi reservoir , which usually receives water under the Krishna water supply scheme, had not received even 1 TMCft (one thousand million cubic feet) of water. "We are supposed to get about 12 TMCft under the Krishna water supply scheme. Though the supply began in January, it has been stopped now," said an official.

Metrowater has started pumping water from quarries and open wells as well. Even agricultural wells in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts are being tapped for Chennai water supply. Currently, Metrowater claims to supply about 450 MLD every day. It has also finalised a tender to pump water from 350 wells that are owned by them which will supply about 40 MLD every day. Another 30 MLD will be pumped from Retteri, Ayanambakkam and Porur lakes as a last resort after setting up plants to treat water from these lakes. South Chennai will receive 18 MLD from the Veeranam water supply scheme, 100 MLD from Nemmeli desalination plant and also water from agricultural wells. Meanwhile, north and central Chennai are dependent on private water supply companies as only 100 MLD from Minjur desalination plant reach the city every day.

Metrowater has stopped displaying the reservoir levels on the website. Public relations officer Neelakandan told TOI that he cannot share the details as he did not want any negative media report during the elections. The executive director, Metrowater, Prabhu Shankar did not respond to the calls.