Krishna water inflow has fallen to 188 cusecs while Chennai's main reservoirs sit at just 48% capacity. To avert a water crisis, WRD and Metrowater officials are heading to Andhra Pradesh to request a higher release.
Key Takeaways
- Krishna water flow dropped to 188 cusecs
- Chennai reservoirs hold only 48% of total capacity
- WRD‑Metrowater team will request 500 cusecs additional release until October
Chennai’s major drinking‑water reservoirs are witnessing a steady decline, raising alarms over urban water security. On July 10, 2026, officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) and Metrowater are scheduled to travel to Andhra Pradesh’s Kandaleru reservoir to press for a larger Krishna water release.
Current Situation
The five key reservoirs that supply most of Chennai’s potable water now store a combined 5,630 million cubic feet (mcft), merely 48% of their total design capacity. This is nearly 1,000 mcft less than the same day last year, underscoring a sharp shortfall in water availability.
Why Krishna Water Matters
Since May 27, Krishna water released from Kandaleru has been routed to Chennai’s reservoirs, with Poondi alone receiving close to 1,000 mcft. However, inflow at the Tamil Nadu border has plummeted to just 188 cusecs, compounding the deficit created by scant monsoon rains in Tiruvallur and Chennai this season.
WRD‑Metrowater’s Strategy
The delegation plans to meet officials of the Telugu Ganga Project at Kandaleru to request an increase in discharge to 500 cusecs, a flow to be maintained until October. At that rate, Chennai could add roughly 1,200 mcft to its storage each month, sustaining reservoir levels through the end of the year.
Future Outlook
Kandaleru currently holds 22,000 mcft against a capacity of 68,000 mcft. There is provision to augment its storage by diverting water from upstream reservoirs such as Srisailam and Somasila. The additional release will also support downstream towns like Tirupati, Kalahasti, and Rapur before reaching Chennai.
