A message circulating on social media claims that Hyderabad’s reservoirs will dry up by the end of November because of El Niño and drought, leading to restricted or suspended water supply. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has not issued the message. Its claims about reservoir levels and a planned shutdown are unofficial.
Hyderabad does face a genuine water shortfall. HMWSSB is supplying about 585 million gallons per day (MGD) to the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE), against an estimated need of around 735 MGD for about 1.3 crore people. The gap of roughly 150 MGD reflects population growth, infrastructure limits and low monsoon rainfall.
Local reservoirs, including Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, Singur and Manjeera, are supplying less water than planned and are below last year’s levels. Supplies from the Krishna source at Akkampally and the Godavari source at Yellampalli are holding steady for now. Borewells are also drying up, particularly in Hyderabad’s IT corridors, increasing demand for water tankers.
Telangana has recorded about 17% below-normal rainfall, with drought-like conditions reported in hundreds of mandals. Hyderabad’s rainfall deficit in the current water year is around 27%. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is reviewing the impact at a special Cabinet meeting.
HMWSSB is monitoring reservoir levels, preparing area-wise contingency plans and urging residents to use water carefully. The board has said it may explore additional supplies from Godavari sources if levels at Singur or Manjeera fall further. Officials have indicated that, with management, current stocks can generally support supplies into 2027, although some local sources are under earlier stress and tanker reliance is rising. HMWSSB has also warned residents about separate scam messages involving water bills, disconnections and APK files.
Residents can check water-service updates through official HMWSSB channels and call the board’s 155313 helpline, rather than relying on forwarded messages. The claim that Hyderabad’s reservoirs will be dry by November and water supply will be suspended remains unofficial.
