BMC imposes water cuts as Mumbai Lake levels drop to critical 10.35%

The decision comes as water stock in lakes supplying the city has dropped to a critical 10.35 per cent as of June 16, according to a BMC circular issued on Tuesday.

Existing citywide restrictions continue

The civic body confirmed that the earlier 10 per cent water cut across Mumbai will remain in force, aimed at conserving available reserves and extending supply duration during the ongoing shortfall.

Officials said the situation remains under close monitoring as reservoir levels continue to decline.

Strict action against water misuse

The BMC circular also warned of strict penalties against individuals or establishments found wasting or misusing drinking water.

It has prohibited non-essential usage such as washing vehicles, gardening, and road cleaning using potable water, urging residents to rely on borewells or wells instead.

Construction, industry and pools hit hard

The civic body has suspended new water connections for construction sites and temporarily stopped all existing temporary connections.

Swimming pools across the city have been disconnected from supply, while aerated and packaged drinking water plants will receive only minimal water for workers’ needs.

Major industrial users, including railways, oil companies and the Navy, have been directed to rely on recycled or treated wastewater for operational use.

Mumbai’s dependence on rainfall

Mumbai’s water supply depends heavily on seven lakes — Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi — which collectively feed the city’s drinking water system.

With monsoon delays affecting replenishment, authorities say conservation measures are necessary to prevent deeper shortages in the coming weeks.