Chennai: The water table in the city has improved by an average of 3.5 metres after the recent rain spells.

Data collected by the Metrowater Board showed that there is good groundwater recharge. Comparison of data recorded in October first week and November first week showed that the water table increased by 3 m in sandy areas, by 3.4 m in clayey zones and by 3.6 m in the hard rock region.

Wells under study

The Board has observed 756 wells. Officials explained that as the observation was made soon after the rain spells, there could be a fall in the water table now. However, the data is indicative of the healthy recharge.

"For a true picture, we will have to wait till the end of the North-East monsoon," a senior Metrowater official said.

In sandy areas such as Tiruvanmiyur, Adyar, Santhome, George Town and the rest of coastal Chennai, rainwater run-off percolates very quickly.

In clayey and hard rock areas, rainwater percolates slowly, but it is held by the soil for a longer time. The city's clayey areas include T. Nagar, West Mambalam, Anna Nagar, Kolathur and Virugambakkam.

The hard-rock areas are Velachery, Saidapet, Little Mount and Guindy.

Areas in Royapettah and Triplicane did not see much improvement in groundwater recharge.

"This could be because most of the area is covered by buildings. Hence, the poor scope for recharge," an official explained.

Water table in well fields and flood plains in the city's suburbs has also improved.

Beneficial in summer

Officials say that this recharge would be beneficial in the summer.

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