Hotels in Mumbai have temporarily shut jacuzzis and reduced laundry operations amid delayed rainfall and dip in water levels at reservoirs that supply water to the city. 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has halted water supply to construction sites and swimming pools. Supply to clubs, commercial and industrial users has been cut by 20 per cent as the city stares at a water crisis. On their part, hotels in Mumbai have activated their conservation plans.

Hotel Grand Hyatt has temporarily shut jacuzzis and closed one of its two pools. “While we have not received any formal directives at this stage, we recognise the importance of proactively supporting BMC’s efforts to conserve water during this period of reduced supply,” said Hyatt’s West India area vice president Robert Dallimore.

Other measures implemented by the hotel include optimised use of water in selected kitchens and laundry plant operations. It has installed water saving devices and is also encouraging guests about responsible linen and towel reuse. “These actions have helped us reduce overall water usage by atleast 10-15 per cent while continuing to maintain high standards of comfort and care that our guests expect,” Dallimore added.

Water level at seven reservoirs has dropped to 10 per cent and municipal officials are considering an additional 10 per cent water cut from July if rainfall does not pick up. Earlier in the month, water tanker operators went on a two-day strike, adding to challenges for hoteliers. While the tanker operators have resumed services, rates have increased with increased demand. As such hotel managers are looking to optimise usage in both guest and staff areas.

In kitchens, for instance, this could mean use of cooking techniques that require less water, optimising use of boilers, among other things. “Ensuring hygiene and compliance with regulatory standards remains a priority,” said a chef at a suburban five star hotel. In a South Mumbai hotel, the staff cafeteria has replaced steel plates with recyclable paper plates and wooden spoons. Water conservation is also being discussed in morning meetings involving property leadership, an executive said.

“In light of the recent water restrictions announced by BMC, we have further reinforced ongoing water conservation initiatives,” said Sudeep Sharma, cluster general manager, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake & Lakeside Chalet, Marriott Executive Apartments.

“The hotel is equipped with low-flow fixtures and taps to minimise water consumption across guest rooms and public areas. We also maximise the use of treated and recycled water for non-potable applications including air conditioning, cooling towers, flushing systems, landscape irrigation, road and outdoor surface cleaning,” Sharma said.

“For us conservation is not a crisis response but it is a part of our operating philosophy,” said Vishal Kamat, executive director of Kamat Hotels (India) Limited which runs the Orchid brand. Kamat said regular audits are carried out to monitor consumption and devices have been installed to restrict water flow in room showers. “In our terrace garden we use drip irrigation,” he added.

Published on June 21, 2026