Mumbai’s 10 per cent water cut is likely to continue until at least the end of September, despite the city’s seven major reservoirs reaching nearly full capacity. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is retaining the restriction as a precaution before the drier months and will review the position after monitoring lake levels through September.

As of September 9, the reservoirs held about 1.4 tn litres of water against a combined capacity of 1.45 tn litres, representing nearly 96 per cent storage. Additional municipal commissioner Vipin Sharma said the civic administration was cautious because rainfall could decline during the remainder of September, making it necessary to preserve a sufficient reserve.

The reservoirs at Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi supply most of Mumbai’s water. Their levels were slightly below those recorded during the corresponding period in the previous two years, when storage stood at 97.23 per cent in 2025 and 97.75 per cent in 2024, compared with about 96.41 per cent on September 8 this year.

The restriction was introduced on May 15, when the reservoirs contained roughly 23.5 per cent of their combined capacity. Although the monsoon has improved storage, the BMC supplies about 3.85 bn litres per day against estimated demand of nearly 4.3 bn litres, leaving a shortfall of around 450 mn litres. Leakage, ageing pipelines, distribution difficulties and rising demand continue to affect household supply, with residents in parts of Malad reporting low pressure and dirty water.

The BMC is mapping its nearly 6,500-km pipeline network to identify sections needing replacement. It is also considering longer-term measures such as the Gargai project, desalination and expanded use of treated wastewater. The decision on restoring normal supply will depend on rainfall forecasts, future demand and the city’s ability to maintain reserves through the dry season. Political criticism has followed the resumption of water supply to municipal swimming pools, while some representatives have urged priority for households and essential users.