Heavy rain raises ground water level in Chennai

Chennai

The rains in the state brought its share of woes, but the Chennai Water Board officials have reason to feel jubilant. According to them, “Ground water level in and around the city has risen by an average 2 to 5 m due to the rainfall received in the last few days.” This is good news for a water-scarce city. The officials estimate that the present ground water level will help the city manage its water needs for the next two years. This may be compared to the level of 0.80 m which was the increase in the ground level water recorded in December 2013 when rain water harvesting scheme was in place.

The Board authorities said, “The exact level of the water will be inspected and our officials will make an announcement once the downpour stops.”

• The ground water level has risen in sandy regions in Chennai, such as Thondiyarpet, Thiruvotriyur, Royapuram, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Kottivakkam and Palavakkam. The present level is at 1-3 mtrs as opposed to 5-6 mtrs in the past. 
•  The level has similarly increased by 5-6 m in clay-soil regions such as Anna Nagar, Kolathur, Valasaravakkam, T Nagar and surrounding areas. These areas currently have ground level water at 1-2 mtrs as opposed to 6-7 mtrs a few weeks ago.
• Ground water level is measured upwards from the depth of the ground