Chennai’s primary water reservoirs are at just 38% of capacity, the second-lowest level recorded in the last five years, raising fears of a water shortage.

The figure, reported on September 30, highlights the city’s fragile water security as it heads into the northeast monsoon season. Officials are hoping for adequate rainfall to replenish the lakes.

Chennai has faced severe water crises before, most notably in 2019 when reservoirs ran nearly dry. The current levels, while better than that crisis, are low enough to trigger contingency planning.

The state government has announced plans to install 1,000 additional automatic rain gauges across Tamil Nadu this fiscal year to improve weather monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Water managers say demand management, leak reduction and groundwater recharge will be critical in the coming months. Residents have been urged to use water judiciously.

Civic groups argue that the city needs long-term solutions, including desalination capacity, rainwater harvesting enforcement and better lake maintenance, rather than crisis responses each year.