Mumbai’s water management strategy may face fresh restrictions as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reviews water connections to municipal swimming pools amid lower reservoir stocks compared with previous years. The city is already operating under a 10% water cut, which has remained in effect since May 15.
The civic body had halted water supply to municipal swimming pools on June 17 before restoring connections on August 16, following improved rainfall across Maharashtra and a recovery in the levels of the seven lakes supplying Mumbai. However, the administration is reconsidering the move as temperatures rise and demand is expected to increase ahead of the next monsoon.
“But there is a need to reassess this decision as harsher summer conditions were emerging, indicating that water demand would increase in coming months. We also need to account for supplies until the next monsoon,” a senior BMC official said.
According to civic data, the seven reservoirs contained 13.3 lakh million litres of water on October 8, representing approximately 94% of their combined capacity. The corresponding figures were 14.3 lakh million litres, or nearly 99%, in 2025, and 14.3 lakh million litres, equivalent to 98.6%, in 2024.
Modak Sagar has emerged as a particular concern, with its storage at 69% of capacity, compared with 99% during the corresponding period last year and 95% in 2024. A civic official explained that water from Modak Sagar, which receives supplies through the Vaitarna system and serves as a balancing reservoir, was being utilised before the Vaitarna gates were opened.
Restrictions have also affected the construction sector. In May, the BMC disconnected water connections at approximately 128 construction sites, including some that had paid civic water charges. These connections remain suspended.
Mayor Ritu Tawde reiterated that residents would receive priority in water allocation. “Therefore, whatever steps are needed to ensure that citizens are given first priority will be taken,” she said.
The BMC has yet to announce whether swimming pools will face another suspension or when any additional restrictions might take effect.
Source: Urban Acres
