Chennai's drinking water reserves have received a significant boost as steady inflows of Krishna River water from Andhra Pradesh's Kandaleru reservoir continue to improve storage levels across the city's key water bodies, providing relief amid peak summer demand.

Steady Inflows Into Poondi Reservoir

Poondi reservoir, one of Chennai's principal drinking water sources, has been receiving Krishna water under the long-standing inter-state water-sharing agreement between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Constructed in 1944 in the Poondi taluk of Tiruvallur district, the reservoir is central to meeting the water needs of the Chennai metropolitan region.

Andhra Pradesh began releasing water on 23 May, following a formal request from the Tamil Nadu government. Since then, surplus water — left after meeting farmers' irrigation requirements in Andhra Pradesh — has been flowing into Tamil Nadu through the Krishna water supply system.

As of Saturday morning, approximately 285 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water was flowing into Poondi, according to officials.

Transfer to Puzhal Reservoir Underway

Water managers have begun channelling 250 cusecs from Poondi to Puzhal reservoir, another major drinking water source for the city. Puzhal has a total storage capacity of 3,300 million cubic feet (mcft).

According to officials, the reservoir currently holds more than 1,642 mcft of water, with storage levels rising steadily due to the continued inflows from Poondi. Authorities are presently drawing and supplying around 183 cusecs of water daily from Puzhal to meet the city's drinking water requirements.

Context: Why Reserves Had Fallen

Soaring summer temperatures had driven a sharp increase in water consumption across Chennai in recent months, causing storage levels in major reservoirs — including Poondi and Puzhal — to decline rapidly. The Tamil Nadu government's request to Andhra Pradesh for Krishna water releases was a direct response to this pressure on the city's supply infrastructure.

This comes amid a recurring seasonal pattern: Chennai's reservoir levels typically dip sharply between March and June before monsoon rains and inter-state water transfers stabilise supplies. The Krishna water agreement has been a critical buffer in multiple such cycles.

Outlook for Chennai's Water Security

Water resources officials said sustained inflows from the Krishna river system have helped stabilise reservoir levels and improve overall drinking water availability. The rising storage at Puzhal and other reservoirs is expected to provide considerable relief to Chennai residents and strengthen the city's preparedness for water demand in the coming weeks.