Chennai’s groundwater levels fell sharply in June following a prolonged dry spell, raising concerns over water availability in several suburban areas that depend heavily on bore wells. According to Chennai Metrowater, the city’s average groundwater level dropped by 0.47 metres, declining from 5.66 metres in May to 6.13 metres in June across 15 monitored locations. Thirteen of these locations recorded a fall in groundwater levels, while only Teynampet and Valasaravakkam showed slight improvements.
Officials attributed the decline to weak southwest monsoon rainfall and the absence of significant showers during June and early July. Compared to June 2025, when better rainfall helped recharge groundwater reserves, this year’s inadequate precipitation has left aquifers without sufficient replenishment. Experts warned that the prolonged dry weather has accelerated groundwater depletion across the city.
The impact has been most severe in suburban areas such as Ambattur, Porur, Chromepet, Tambaram, Pallavaram, Pozhichalur, and Ponmar near Medavakkam, where residents rely primarily on bore wells for domestic water needs. Falling bore well yields have increased demand for new wells, with some existing bore wells drilled to depths of nearly 300 feet reportedly running dry. Experts caution that unless Chennai receives widespread and sustained rainfall soon, groundwater levels are likely to decline further, increasing water stress in the city’s rapidly growing suburbs.
