With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unable to ensure regular water supply, many citizens are now relying heavily on private water tanker services to meet daily needs.
The shortage has also driven up prices. A 3,000-litre tanker that earlier cost around INR 900 now costs about INR 1,100. Similarly, the price of a 2,000-litre drinking water tanker, previously INR 1,400, has increased by approximately by INR 200. A 5,000-litre drinking water tanker can now cost anywhere between INR 1,500 and INR 3,200, depending on location, quantity, and transport conditions.
Despite demand rising, tanker availability has become limited. Suppliers report difficulty meeting requirements due to insufficient water sources. One supplier from Kalbadevi said they are unable to secure enough water to fulfil current demand.
Most water tankers source supply either from borewells or the municipal system. Factors such as rising fuel costs, increased labour charges, declining groundwater levels, and commissions paid to borewell owners have further pushed up prices.
At present, the city’s lakes hold only about 17.85% of their total capacity, while Mumbai’s daily water requirement stands at 4,300 million litres. In contrast, the BMC is able to supply only around 3,850 million litres per day.
Housing societies across the city are spending significant amounts annually on tanker water, as many receive irregular municipal supply, sometimes as little as just over an hour per day. This inconsistency has further increased dependence on tankers, worsening the supply shortage.
Water wastage during cleaning operations and leakage from old pipelines has also added to the strain on Mumbai’s already limited water resources.
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