MAPUSA
With the arrival of the southwest monsoon delayed and temperatures remaining unusually high, Goa's key drinking water reservoirs have witnessed a sharp decline in storage levels, raising concerns about the sustainability of water supply if rains do not set in soon.
The situation is particularly alarming at the Anjunem dam in North Goa, where water storage has dropped to just 14 per cent of capacity, placing authorities on high alert.
The reservoir is a crucial source of drinking water for residents of Sattari and Bicholim talukas.
Data available with the Water Resources Department shows that most of the State's major reservoirs have fallen well below comfortable levels. The Selaulim dam, Goa's largest reservoir and the primary source of drinking water for South Goa, has declined to 29 per cent of its live storage capacity, while the Tillari reservoir, which supplements water supply to parts of North Goa, is at 32 per cent.
The Panchwadi dam has fallen to a worrying 23 per cent, while Chapoli in Canacona and the smaller Gaunem reservoir are relatively better placed at 40 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.
The only reservoir offering some relief is the Amthane dam, which supplies water to Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim. It currently stands at 54 per cent storage, making it the healthiest among the State's major water sources.
The rapidly depleting reservoir levels have sparked concern within government departments, particularly as demand for water continues to rise amid intense summer conditions. Officials fear that an extended delay in the onset of monsoon rains could place additional strain on the State's drinking water network.
Several parts of Goa are already witnessing signs of water stress.
In Bardez, residents have reported reduced water pressure and shorter supply durations over the past few days.
Officials, however, attributed the immediate disruption in Bardez to ongoing stabilisation work following maintenance undertaken at the Assonora Water Treatment Plant.
"Maintenance work was recently carried out at the treatment plant and some adjustments in supply timings became necessary. The situation should normalise within the next few days," a senior Public Works Department engineer said.
Despite the assurance, officials acknowledge that reservoir levels are being closely monitored on a daily basis. The combination of shrinking water reserves, soaring temperatures and delayed monsoon conditions has created a challenging situation to the administration.
