Pune, June 14, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation has introduced alternate-day water supply across the city starting Monday, June 15, as part of emergency conservation measures triggered by low dam levels, a delayed monsoon, and a forecast of below-normal rainfall through September.
Why the Cuts
The Maharashtra Water Resources Department advised the PMC to reduce consumption and protect existing reserves until at least the end of August. Pune draws its water primarily from four dams — Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar, with supplementary supply from Bhama Askhed and Pawna. Current combined storage across the four main dams stands at approximately 5 TMC, of which only around 3 TMC is usable for the city's supply.
The PMC currently draws 1,550 million litres per day. Under the new schedule, daily supply will be reduced by 400 MLD, bringing it down to approximately 1,150 MLD, a reduction the corporation said should stretch reserves through August 20.
What Is Banned
The PMC has ordered the immediate closure of swimming pools and vehicle washing centres across the city as part of its water conservation measures.
Key restrictions and directives:
Swimming pools and vehicle washing centres to remain closed.
Construction sites barred from using PMC-supplied drinking water.
Builders instructed to source water from sewage treatment plants (STPs), borewells or wells.
Housing societies directed to keep STPs operational and maximise recycled water usage.
Hotels, restaurants and hostels asked to conserve water and reuse greywater for gardening and irrigation.
Who Is Exempt
Areas supplied by the Bhama Askhed dam will not face water cuts at this stage, with officials citing existing issues related to poor-quality and turbid water supply. PMC authorities said the restrictions are being introduced early to avoid a repeat of the prolonged 2013–14 water crisis and urged residents to use water judiciously.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the alternate-day schedule would be rolled out gradually across different areas to minimise technical issues such as pipeline bursts. Meanwhile, the IMD has projected below-normal monsoon rainfall this season, with El Niño conditions expected to influence rainfall patterns, adding uncertainty to the city's water situation.
