Sources added that the officials draw 270 MLD of water from both lakes, Chembarambakkam and Red Hills.
Chennai: With the city staring at water scarcity as all water bodies around are slowing drying up, officials of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) are mulling to draw water from Porur lake, like last year.
However, the only solace as officials say is that the need to tap water from Porur lake was not very acute at this juncture, as the existing storage in both the Chembarambakkam and Red Hills, besides other sources is enough to meet requirements for this month.
Sources added that the officials draw 270 MLD of water from both lakes, Chembarambakkam and Red Hills.
If they keep drawing the available surface water at this pace, the two lakes will dry up soon, leading to acute water scarcity in the city.
“We are cautious about drinking water supply and are closely monitoring the available storage.
Even as we are supplying 650 MLD of water to the city against the 830 MLD as it used to be, we may draw water from Porur lake, should the need arise,” said an official, on conditions of anonymity.
However, the official hoped that the north-east monsoon would lend a helping hand with copious rains.
“Officials should not always rely on rains, but take precautionary steps to supply drinking water regularly,” said A Raj, a resident of Chintadripet.
However, there is no hurry.”