With the monsoon delayed due to El Niño and water levels in Mumbai's reservoirs falling sharply, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up water conservation measures to preserve the city's limited drinking water supply.
A 10% water cut has been in force across Mumbai since May 15. Beginning Wednesday, June 17, the civic body has introduced additional restrictions on non-drinking water use to help stretch the available water stock.
Construction sites, swimming pools face water supply curbs
Under the new measures, water connections to all construction sites will be temporarily disconnected, while approvals for new construction-related water connections have been suspended. Water supply to swimming pools will also be temporarily cut off.
The BMC has also imposed a 20% reduction in water supply to industrial units, commercial establishments and sports clubs. It warned that the restrictions will be strictly enforced and that stringent action will be taken against anyone found misusing or wasting drinking water supplied by the civic body.
Reservoir levels drop to 10.35%
The measures have been implemented in line with directives issued by the Maharashtra Water Resources Department. The BMC's Hydraulic Engineer's Department has released a detailed circular outlining water conservation guidelines during the ongoing supply restrictions.
Mumbai and its suburbs require around 4,664 million litres of water per day (MLD), while the city currently receives an average of 4,100 MLD from its water sources. As of June 16, reservoir storage had fallen to just 10.35% of total capacity. With monsoon rains yet to arrive, the BMC is aiming to ensure the remaining water reserves last as long as possible.
Alternative water sources encouraged
The civic body has advised organisations operating public toilets and sanitation facilities to maximise the use of tanker or borewell water instead of treated drinking water.
For non-potable purposes such as vehicle washing, watering parks and gardens, and cleaning roads or premises, residents and establishments have been directed to rely on well and borewell water wherever feasible.
Major institutions, including Central Railway, Western Railway, RCF, HPCL, BPCL, the Indian Navy, MIDC and the Mumbai Port Authority (BPT), have also been instructed to use treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), including the Colaba STP, for operational and secondary purposes.
BMC warns of strict action against misuse
Reiterating its appeal for responsible water consumption, the BMC said it will strictly enforce the restrictions and take action against individuals or organisations found misusing or wasting the city's drinking water supply.
