Pune, 2nd July 2026: Water situation in the city has become increasingly concerning after Khadakwasla Dam, one of the city's primary sources of drinking water, recorded its lowest water storage for July 1 in the last 10 years. According to official data, the dam held only 15.47% of its total capacity on July 1, 2026.
The current storage is concernedly lower than the 63.60% recorded on the same date in 2025, highlighting the impact of delayed and below-normal monsoon rainfall. The low storage has intensified concerns over water availability for the city during the coming months.
The declining water levels across the reservoirs supplying Pune have already resulted in water conservation measures and have raised fears of a prolonged water shortage if rainfall does not improve soon. Citizens are now looking towards the July monsoon for significant rainfall that could replenish the reservoirs.
Data from the past decade shows that water storage in Khadakwasla has fluctuated widely depending on monsoon conditions. While the reservoir recorded healthy storage levels of 62.92% in 2020, 50.63% in 2023, and 63.60% in 2025, this year's 15.47% is the lowest recorded for the period, matching the previous low seen in 2017.
The sharp decline in reservoir levels underscores Pune's growing dependence on timely monsoon rainfall. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as adequate rainfall over the next few weeks will be crucial to improving storage levels and ensuring uninterrupted water supply to the city.
| Year | Water Storage (%) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 21.39% |
| 2017 | 15.47% |
| 2018 | 29.67% |
| 2019 | 24.99% |
| 2020 | 62.92% |
| 2021 | 45.07% |
| 2022 | 21.39% |
| 2023 | 50.63% |
| 2024 | 42.34% |
| 2025 | 63.60% |
| 2026 | 15.47% |