Mumbai to face 10 per cent water cut from May 15 as reservoir levels dip: BMC

The BMC appealed to residents to avoid wastage and adopt water-saving habits in daily life. Representational Pic/File

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday announced a 10 per cent water cut across Mumbai from May 15, 2026, due to declining water levels in reservoirs supplying to city.

An official statement said, The civic body said that the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure water remains available for a longer duration, especially in view of forecasts of below-normal rainfall linked to El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions.

The water cut will remain in force until reservoir levels improve following satisfactory monsoon rainfall.

Reservoir storage drops to 23.52 pc

According to BMC data released on May 11, the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai currently hold 3,40,399 million litres of usable water, which is only 23.52 per cent of the total annual requirement of 14,47,363 million litres.

Officials said the civic administration is closely monitoring reservoir levels and carrying out water supply planning on a daily basis.

The BMC stated that there is no need for panic, as additional reserve water will also be made available from Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna dams.

Water supply to Thane, Bhiwandi also affected

The 10 per cent water cut will also apply to water supplied by the BMC to neighbouring civic bodies and villages, including Thane and Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporations.

Officials said the restrictions will continue until water storage improves after the monsoon season.

Citizens asked to use water carefully

The BMC appealed to residents to avoid wastage and adopt water-saving habits in daily life.

Citizens have been advised to:

- Use only the required amount of drinking water

- Prefer bucket baths instead of showers

- Avoid keeping taps running while brushing or shaving

- Repair leaking taps and pipelines immediately

- Wash vehicles using buckets instead of hoses

- Prevent overhead tanks from overflowing

- Use water-efficient nozzles on taps

Operate washing machines with full loads

Hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments have also been asked to reduce unnecessary water usage.

The civic body said disciplined water usage by citizens will help maintain supply during the summer months and support long-term water conservation efforts in the city.

The Mumbai civic body has urged to cooperate with the administration and use water responsibly until reservoir levels improve.