No water for pool, car wash as Pune begins alternate-day supply amid shortage fears

The restrictions come as Pune begins alternate-day water supply amid concerns over delayed monsoon rains and dwindling reservoir levels, with civic authorities aiming to preserve stocks until August.

In Short

• Water use curbs include no water for pools, car washes, and construction
• Daily supply cut from 1,600 MLD to 1,100 MLD to conserve reservoirs
• Water crisis may worsen if monsoon rains stay below normal this year

Pune will begin receiving water on alternate days from June 15 as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) rolls out conservation measures amid concerns over delayed monsoon rains, declining reservoir levels and forecasts of below-normal rainfall.

The decision follows advice from Maharashtra's irrigation department, which asked the civic body to reduce daily water consumption to ensure that available reservoir stocks last through August. Pune depends primarily on the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar dams for its water supply, along with additional water from the Bhama Askhed and Pawna reservoirs.

PMC Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said uncertainty surrounding the progress of the monsoon had made it necessary to use available water resources judiciously. She appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary consumption and prevent wastage.

WATER SUPPLY CUTS TO CONTINUE TILL AUGUST

Under the new arrangement, alternate-day water supply will continue until August 20. Civic officials estimate that the measure will save around 500 million litres of water per day.

Pune currently requires about 1,600 million litres per day (MLD), but supply has now been reduced to approximately 1,100 MLD. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring water availability through the peak monsoon months if rainfall remains below expectations.

According to the civic body, Khadakwasla dam currently has only 5.6 TMC of water remaining, of which around 3 TMC is available for municipal use. Officials believe the conservation measures will help stretch available reserves until at least August 20.

NO WATER FOR POOLS, CAR WASHES

As part of the restrictions, vehicle washing centres and public swimming pools have been barred from using potable water. Construction projects have also been directed not to use municipal drinking water, with authorities warning of action against violators.

Residents supplied through the Bhama Askhed system will not face immediate cuts, as those areas are already dealing with muddy water supply issues, Nagpure said.

PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the situation was being monitored closely, and that supply reductions were being implemented in a phased manner to avoid technical problems such as pipeline failures and uneven distribution.

The commissioner also directed housing societies to operate sewage treatment plants (STPs) and use recycled water for non-potable purposes. Hotels, restaurants, hostels and other commercial establishments have been asked to adopt water-saving measures and maximise the reuse of treated grey water.

PMC ISSUES WATER-SAVING ADVISORY

The civic body has issued the following guidelines for residents and institutions:

• Use drinking water with extreme caution and avoid wastage.
• Repair leaking taps, flush systems and pipelines immediately.
• Do not use drinking water for washing vehicles, courtyards or footpaths.
• Prevent overhead water tanks from overflowing.
• Use only as much water as necessary for bathing, washing clothes and cleaning utensils.
• Report water leakages in public places to the municipal corporation immediately.
• Avoid using potable water for construction activities.
• Use recycled water generated through sewage treatment plants (STPs) wherever possible.
• Hotels, restaurants and hostels should adopt special water-conservation measures.

FEARS OF A DEEPER WATER CRISIS

Officials warned that if rainfall remains below expectations, Pune could face a more severe water crisis in the coming months. Some estimates suggest the situation could become more challenging than the drought-hit 2013-14 period.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast that the country may receive around 90 per cent of seasonal monsoon rainfall between June and September, with the possibility of further deficits in some regions due to El Nio conditions.

Civic officials said the conservation measures would be reviewed depending on rainfall patterns and reservoir inflows over the coming weeks.

- Ends