Mumbai has tightened water conservation measures as levels of reservoirs feeding the city continue to fall amid a delayed southwest monsoon. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced new restrictions on water use, saying the move is necessary to preserve drinking water supply.
The civic body has imposed a 20% cut in water supply to industrial, commercial and sports establishments after water stocks in tanks supplying Mumbai fell to 10.35% of the total capacity. The restrictions took effect on Wednesday.
Also Read: BMC cuts water connections to swimming pools and construction sites
Why is Mumbai facing water cuts?
Mumbai’s water crisis is primarily due to the delayed monsoon and dwindling reserves in the seven lakes that supply the city with drinking water.
The city depends almost entirely on these reservoirs, which are replenished during the monsoon months. However, with rains falling later than expected and flows remaining below normal, water levels fell sharply ahead of the peak monsoon period.
As of Tuesday, the reservoirs held a combined 149,750 million liters of water – just 10.35% of their total storage capacity. The situation has worsened despite the BMC imposing a 10% water cut from May 15 as a precautionary measure.
According to civic officials, the latest restrictions are aimed at ensuring that available water is prioritized for drinking and other basic needs while preventing wastage.
The concern extends beyond Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently directed officials to plan water usage carefully to ensure drinking water supplies remain available across Maharashtra until August 2027, highlighting concerns over uncertainty over rainfall and water availability.
Read also: Take necessary steps to ensure drinking water supply until August 2027: CM
What tanks are running low?
Mumbai receives water from seven reservoirs located in and around the metropolitan area. Many of them are now under severe pressure.
Current storage levels are:
Vihar: 42.40%
Modak Sagar: 30.49%
Tulsi: 23.33%
Central Vaitarna: 10.46%
Batsa: 9.64%
Tonsa: 5.13%
Supreme Vaitarna: 0%
The figures show that while some reservoirs still retain some of their capacity, others are about to run out. The upper Vaitarna area has effectively dried up, while tantsa and patsa – two major water sources in the city – have reached extremely low levels.
Who will be affected by the latest restrictions?
Currently, the BMC’s measures largely target wholesale and non-essential consumers rather than households.
Under the new rules:
- Industrial and commercial facilities, including sports clubs, will face a 20% reduction in water supply.
- Water deliveries to construction sites and swimming pools will be cut.
- No new fresh water connections will be provided for construction projects until further notice.
- Public toilets and urinals were required to receive water through tankers and wells.
- Facilities are directed to use wells, tube wells and wells for non-potable purposes.
The civic body also banned the use of potable water for washing vehicles, watering gardens and cleaning roads or buildings.
Also read: BMC revives 350 open wells as water reserves decline
Could the household water supply be affected?
At present, the BMC has not announced any reduction in water supply to residential areas. However, officials indicated that more stringent measures could be considered if reservoir levels continue to fall and monsoon rains fail to improve the situation.
Authorities are also exploring alternative sources. In neighboring Navi Mumbai, officials have launched a plan to revive traditional open wells to reduce reliance on treated drinking water and enhance preparedness in case rainfall remains below normal.
Currently, Mumbai’s water situation depends largely on how quickly and to what extent the monsoon replenishes its reservoirs in the coming weeks.
(With inputs from Faisal Malik and Mohiuddin Gedi)
