Chennai, July 8 (IANS) Chennai’s groundwater table recorded a sharp decline in June following a prolonged dry spell, raising fresh concerns over water availability in several suburban areas that depend heavily on bore wells for domestic use.

According to data released by Chennai Metrowater, the city’s average groundwater level dropped by 0.47 metres in June compared to May.

The average depth across 15 monitored locations fell from 5.66 metres in May to 6.13 metres in June, reflecting widespread depletion across the city.

Of the 15 monitoring locations, 13 registered a decline in groundwater levels during the month. Only Teynampet and Valasaravakkam recorded marginal improvements, while the remaining areas witnessed varying degrees of depletion.

The latest data also points to a significant year-on-year deterioration. In June 2025, the average groundwater level stood at 5.65 metres. Better rainfall last year, including scattered showers and intense localised downpours throughout June, had helped recharge underground water reserves. In contrast, this year’s weak southwest monsoon has failed to provide the recharge required to maintain groundwater levels.

Experts attribute the decline to the absence of meaningful rainfall throughout June and the first week of July.

Under normal conditions, southwest monsoon showers contribute to sustaining groundwater reserves across Chennai. However, the prolonged dry weather has left aquifers without adequate replenishment, leading to a steady fall in the water table.

The impact has been particularly severe in suburban neighbourhoods where residents rely largely on groundwater for their daily water needs. Areas such as Ambattur, Porur, Ponmar near Medavakkam, Chromepet, Tambaram, Pallavaram and Pozhichalur have reported falling bore well yields over the past month, increasing concerns among residents.

The shortage has also triggered a surge in demand for new bore wells. In several localities, existing wells, including those drilled to depths of nearly 300 feet, have reportedly gone dry, forcing households to seek fresh drilling in the hope of securing reliable water supplies.

Officials said the situation remains comparatively better in the city’s core areas, where Chennai Metrowater’s piped water supply network is more extensive and dependence on private borewells is significantly lower.

With the southwest monsoon yet to bring substantial rainfall to Chennai, experts warn that groundwater levels could continue to deteriorate in the coming weeks.

Unless the city receives widespread and sustained showers soon, water stress is expected to intensify, particularly in fast-growing suburban regions that remain heavily dependent on groundwater.

–IANS

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