With water reserves in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai plummeting to a critical 10.35% of their total capacity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced aggressive conservation measures. Starting June 17, the civic body will completely suspend water supply to construction sites and swimming pools, while commercial and industrial establishments will face a severe 20% reduction.
These new restrictions compound the existing 10% citywide water cut that has been active since May 15. The decision follows a Tuesday morning review at the civic headquarters, where officials strategized on stretching the remaining stock until the delayed monsoon stunted by the El Niño effect finally replenishes the catchment areas.
In a formal statement, the BMC confirmed that all existing water connections for construction activities will be temporarily shut off, and no new connections will be approved until further notice. The 20% cut will heavily impact industrial hubs, commercial spaces, and sports clubs. Additionally, bottling plants for packaged drinking water and aerated beverages will be restricted to receiving only enough water to meet the basic drinking needs of their on-site workers
Mumbai currently demands approximately 4,664 million liters of water per day (MLD) but is receiving an average of only 4,100 MLD. Most of this supply relies on seven lakes situated outside the city limits. Powai Lake, located within the city, holds 545 crore liters but is strictly reserved for industrial and non-potable uses, such as at the Aarey Dairy Colony.
To mitigate the shortfall, the BMC is urging major organizations including the Central and Western Railways, the Indian Navy, MIDC, and the Mumbai Port Authority,to maximize their use of treated sewage water for operational needs. Residents and public institutions are also advised to pivot to well or borewell water for non-potable tasks like washing vehicles, gardening, and street cleaning.
The civic body has issued a stern warning against water wastage, promising strict punitive action against anyone caught misusing the BMC-supplied drinking water during this critical shortage.