Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will implement an additional 15% reduction in alternate day water supply starting Saturday, as water levels at the Pavana dam have dropped significantly due to lack of rainfall. This could lead to shorter supply durations in some areas.
Water Conservation Measures
As part of conservation efforts, PCMC on Friday prohibited the use of potable water for swimming pools. No new water connections will be granted during the restriction period.
Municipal commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi said, “The 15% reduction in supply would be implemented to ensure planned management of the available water stock. I urge citizens to use water judiciously and actively participate in conservation efforts. They should avoid washing vehicles with potable water, overwatering gardens and leaving taps running unnecessarily.”
Reasons for Water Cut
Another senior PCMC official stated that the water cut was directed by the irrigation department due to delayed monsoon, potential El Nino impact, and receding water levels at Pavana dam, the city's primary drinking water source. The dam currently holds 19% live storage, nearly 5% less than last year. Andra dam has around 29% stock.
The official emphasized that drinking water should be used only for domestic purposes, schools, and hospitals. Any use of potable water for other activities will attract penal action. Special teams have been formed to monitor water consumption.
Restrictions on Non-Domestic Use
A senior official from the water supply department said, “The PCMC will not supply water to commercial establishments, construction projects and other non-domestic consumers. They will have to make their own arrangements for water.”
Using drinking water for filling or maintaining swimming pools has been prohibited. Housing societies are directed to use treated recycled water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for gardens and lawns instead of potable water.
Impact on Supply Duration
PCMC currently supplies water on alternate days. Most housing societies depend on water tankers, especially in summer. The additional 15% cut may reduce supply duration, varying by locality based on topography and distribution conditions. Most areas currently receive water for three to four hours on alternate days.
“Water supply timings may differ from one area to another. Localities at higher elevations may require a longer supply duration, while areas in lower terrain or those receive water at higher pressure may get the required volume in a comparatively shorter period,” another PCMC official said.
Water Demand and Supply Gap
PCMC currently receives about 530 million litres per day (MLD) from Pavana dam, plus 100 MLD from Andra dam and 20 MLD from MIDC. The city's population requires over 750 MLD, but irrigation department supplies only around 650 MLD. To bridge the gap, the state government has approved an additional 167 MLD from Bhama Askhed dam, but pipeline installation is expected to be completed next year.
Pune Mayor: No Immediate Additional Cuts
Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure said on Friday there is no immediate plan for additional water cuts in PMC areas, and the ongoing alternate day supply will be reviewed at the end of next week. The PMC imposed water cuts from June 15, with supply on odd and even dates across five zones. A revised timetable may be needed on some days. The demand for tankers has increased, and the civic administration has been instructed to act against operators overcharging residents.
