Due to a decline in the water stock in the reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday (May 11, 2026), has decided to implement a 10% water cut in Mumbai from May 15, with the aim of making the available water last longer.

“As a precautionary measure, and in view of the low monsoon forecast by the India Meteorological Department [IMD] regarding El Niño for next year, the BMC plans to implement 10% water cut from May 15 onwards,” said the official from the BMC Water Resources Department, appealing not to panic and use water responsibly.

As of May 11, the available water stock in the reservoirs is 3,40,399 million litres compared to the annual capacity of 1,447,363 million litres; only 23.52% of the usable water is currently available.

According to BMC, Mumbai will also receive a reserve of 1,47,092 million litres of additional water from the Bhatsa Dam and 90,000 million litres from the Upper Vaitarna Dam’s storage.

However, to be cautious, given the increase in temperatures, evaporation, and the need to continue water supply even after the water storage has decreased below 10%, the BMC has a plan to initiate 10% water reduction as a precautionary measure.

A 10% reduction will also be made in the water supply provided by the BMC to Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation and other villages from May 15 and will remain effective until there is satisfactory rainfall and the usable storage in the reservoirs is recharged.

BMC appeals to avoid wastage of water

According to BMC, to avoid wastage, water-saving habits should be adopted, including the use of a bucket instead of a shower for bathing, avoiding running tap water while brushing, collecting water in containers to complete tasks, wiping vehicles with a wet cloth, and using nozzles that restrict the flow of taps.

Water systems and channels should be checked in all houses and housing societies. If any leaks are found, they should be repaired immediately. This also saves water and prevents water contamination, as per BMC.