Facing dwindling water reserves and a delayed monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a series of stringent water conservation measures aimed at extending the city's available drinking water supply.
The new restrictions will come into effect from June 17, 2026, following recommendations from the Maharashtra Water Resources Department. It is in addition to the 10 per cent water cut already imposed across Mumbai on May 15, 2026.
Reservoir Levels Drop to 10.35%
Mumbai and its suburbs currently require approximately 4,664 million litres (MLD) of water daily. However, the city's water supply system is currently able to provide an average of only 4,100 MLD. According to BMC officials, water storage in the lakes supplying Mumbai has fallen to 10.35 per cent as of June 16, 2026, primarily due to the delayed onset of the monsoon.
With reservoir levels continuing to decline, civic authorities have emphasised the need to preserve available water stocks for the longest possible duration.
Construction and Swimming Pool Water Connections Suspended
As part of the latest conservation measures, BMC has ordered the temporary disconnection of water connections provided to all construction sites. Approval of new water connections for construction projects has also been suspended until further notice.
In addition, water connections supplied to all swimming pools across the city will be temporarily disconnected.
Applications seeking increased or additional water connections will remain pending until water availability improves, the civic body said.
20% Cut for Industries, Commercial Establishments and Sports Clubs
The BMC has also implemented a 20 per cent reduction in water supply to industrial units, commercial establishments and sports clubs.
Water supplied to aerated beverage and packaged drinking water bottling plants will be restricted to meet only the drinking water requirements of workers employed at these facilities.
Alternative Water Sources Encouraged
The civic administration has directed institutions operating public toilets and sanitation facilities to maximize the use of tanker water, borewells and other alternative sources to reduce dependence on potable municipal water.
Residents and institutions have been advised to utilise wells, borewells and other non-potable water sources for activities such as:
The BMC has also urged agencies including Central Railway, Western Railway, RCF, HPCL, BPCL, the Indian Navy, MIDC and the Mumbai Port Authority to increase the reuse of treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs), including facilities at Colaba, for operational and secondary purposes.
Warning Against Misuse
The municipal administration has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against individuals or establishments found misusing or wasting drinking water supplied by the BMC.
Officials stated that the measures are being enforced to ensure the city's drinking water needs are protected until reservoir levels improve with the arrival of adequate monsoon rainfall.
Share
Tweet
