Metro Water taps into Veeranam, Red Hills, increases water supply

Due to uninterrupted piped-water supply, Metro Water has also reduced the trips of water tankers from 7,500 per day to 5,400. 

According to data available with the CMWWSSB, water is being drawn from the Veeranam (where water level is almost full) and Red Hills lakes, even as Metro Water has cut down on tapping ground water sources. The Board also claimed that it has increased quantum of supply to around 650 MLD (Million Litres per day) from 400 MLD and has also stopped tapping water from the rented agricultural borewells in Tiruvallur district, to a large extent. “The total storage capacity in the lakes supplying water to the city is 4.527 tmc, which can meet the drinking water needs for about four to five months. Further, around 150 MLD is being tapped from Veeranam lake, which is nearing its full capacity and is now the main source in mitigating water scarcity in Chennai,” said an engineer with CMWSSB. 

Meanwhile, residents, having Metro Water connection are happy with the uninterrupted water supply. M Saravanan, a resident of Adyar, said, “Now, things have improved for the better, as we receive continuous piped-water supply. Earlier, we needed to book water tankers online for water supply.” 

When contacted, a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Though the water level in the lakes has touched half, against the total storage, we still expect more rains. Moreover, we expect a rise in ground water table. We plan to undertake a study on this soon.” The board would ensure continuous water supply, the official assured.