Mumbai’s water supply could face another round of restrictions for municipal swimming pools as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reviews its decision to restore connections amid lake stocks that remain below last year’s levels and a continuing 10% citywide cut.
The civic body had suspended water supply to municipal swimming pools on June 17, but restored it on August 16 after rainfall increased across Maharashtra and the levels of the seven lakes serving the city improved. A senior BMC official said the decision was now being reassessed because rising temperatures could increase demand and the available stock must last until 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,” the official said, according to the report.
BMC data showed that the seven lakes held 13.3 lakh million litres on October 8, equivalent to about 94% of their combined capacity. On the same date last year, the reservoirs held 14.3 lakh million litres, or about 99% of capacity. The 2024 stock level was also higher, at 14.3 lakh million litres, or 98.6% of combined capacity.
The gap is particularly visible at Modak Sagar, which was at 69% capacity compared with 99% on the same date last year and 95% in 2024. A civic official said water from Modak Sagar, which receives supplies from the Vaitarna system and functions as a balancing lake, was being used before the gates of Vaitarna were opened.
The possible pool restriction comes alongside measures already affecting construction activity. The BMC disconnected water supply to about 128 construction sites in May, including sites that were paying civic water charges, and those connections have not been restored, the official said.
The 10% water cut imposed across Mumbai on May 15 also remains in force. The continuing reduction means the civic administration is managing water allocation across household consumption, construction and municipal facilities while accounting for supplies through the period before the next monsoon.
Mayor Ritu Tawde said the administration’s priority was to ensure adequate water for residents. “Therefore, whatever steps are needed to ensure that citizens are given first priority will be taken,” she said.
The BMC’s review will determine whether municipal swimming pools continue receiving civic water or face another suspension. The civic administration has not announced a final decision or a specific date for implementing any fresh restriction.
