Chennai Prepares for Summer with Second Krishna Water Inflow
As summer approaches, Chennai residents can anticipate some relief regarding their water supply. The second scheduled spell of Krishna water has commenced flowing into the Poondi reservoir, a crucial source for the city. The Water Resources Department (WRD) anticipates receiving approximately four thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of this vital resource through the month of April.
Strategic Water Management for Peak Season
Chennai relies on a network of five major reservoirs for its water supply. While these reservoirs are currently holding water at around 80 percent of their total storage capacity, the additional inflow from the Krishna River is a proactive, precautionary measure. This strategic storage aims to meet the expected significant rise in water consumption during the hot summer months.
The first allocation of Krishna water for the current cycle occurred between July and October 2025. During that period, the city's reservoirs received 3.7 tmcft of water released from the Kandaleru dam in Andhra Pradesh. The average flow rate during that first spell ranged from 300 to 400 cubic feet per second (cusecs).
Current Inflow and Distribution Details
For this second scheduled spell, which covers January through April, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated the discharge from the Kandaleru dam on February 25. This water has now successfully reached the Poondi reservoir in Chennai. Officials report that 150 million cubic feet (mcft) of Krishna water has already been received at the city reservoir.
From the Poondi reservoir, excess water is being systematically diverted. It is flowing at a controlled rate of 250 cusecs through a link canal to supplement the Red Hills and Chembarambakkam reservoirs, ensuring balanced storage across the city's water system.
Official Rationale for Advance Storage
C. Podupanithilagam, the Chief Engineer for the Chennai region of the WRD, provided insight into the department's strategy. "During the northeast monsoon, the reservoirs reached their full capacity. Currently, only about 1.5 tmcft of storage space is available. To ensure the city's drinking water demand is met reliably throughout the summer, we are storing Krishna water in advance," he explained.
The official further elaborated on the timing, noting that favorable recent monsoon spells have left Andhra Pradesh's own reservoirs about 80 percent full. "During the peak summer months, particularly in May, Andhra Pradesh may need to prioritize its own regional drinking water requirements and might not be in a position to discharge water for Chennai then. As a prudent precautionary measure, we are securing and storing this water now to confidently meet our projected summer demand," Podupanithilagam added.
Water Sharing Agreement and Annual Expectations
Under the established agreement between the two state governments, Andhra Pradesh is obligated to supply 12 tmcft of Krishna water to Chennai during the designated first spell. However, during the last cycle, only 3.7 tmcft was drawn. This was because Chennai's reservoirs had already achieved full capacity thanks to the abundant 2025 northeast monsoon rains.
Similarly, for the ongoing second spell, the Water Resources Department expects to receive a volume in the range of 3 to 4 tmcft this year. This managed inflow is a critical component of Chennai's annual water security planning, designed to buffer the metropolitan area against seasonal shortages and ensure a stable supply for its millions of residents.
