Pune Orders Closure of Washing Centres and Swimming Pools Amid Water Shortage; 10% Water Cut in Force
PMC tightens water conservation measures as dam storage remains below normal; further restrictions may be considered to protect drinking water supplies.
🔴 By| Sachin Dhumal
Pune: The City is tightening its water conservation measures as concerns grow over the availability of drinking water in the coming months. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has ordered vehicle-washing centres and swimming pools to remain closed as part of its efforts to conserve water amid below-normal rainfall and declining reservoir storage. A 10% water reduction has already been implemented, while authorities are considering whether additional restrictions are necessary.
The measures follow directions from the Maharashtra government to reduce water consumption across local bodies and prioritise drinking water. Civic authorities are urging residents, housing societies, businesses and institutions to avoid unnecessary water use and help preserve available supplies.
🟡 Swimming Pools and Washing Centres Under Restrictions
The PMC has directed public and private vehicle-washing centres to suspend operations. Restrictions also prohibit the use of drinking water for filling swimming pools, watering gardens and cleaning courtyards and footpaths.
The civic administration is stepping up efforts to ensure that drinking water is not diverted to non-essential activities. Swimming pool operators have raised concerns about closure orders, arguing that only a portion of pool water is replaced periodically. The civic body is examining how water remaining in closed pools could be reused safely.
Officials have also highlighted the importance of preventing leakage from swimming pools and associated pipelines. The PMC is expected to discuss the operators’ representations and further conservation measures with district authorities.
🟡 10% Water Cut Already Implemented
The Maharashtra government directed local bodies to reduce water consumption by at least 10% from October 16, 2026. Pune has introduced a weekly water supply shutdown every Thursday from October 15 as part of its conservation strategy.
The decision comes amid concerns over lower-than-usual water storage in the Khadakwasla dam system and the possibility of below-normal rainfall. According to reported figures, the Khadakwasla dam chain held around 26.22 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water on October 12.
Authorities are aiming to conserve available reserves and ensure that drinking water remains available through the coming months. The state government has indicated that water-saving measures may be tightened further if required to sustain supplies until August 31, 2027.
🟡 Further Restrictions May Be Considered
The PMC is considering whether a higher water cut may be necessary. According to reports published on October 24, Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur said the district administration had indicated a 20% reduction and that further discussions with the Pune district collector were planned for October 27.
Any additional reduction will depend on the authorities’ assessment and subsequent decisions. Residents should follow official announcements for updates on the extent and duration of restrictions.
The civic body has also instructed construction sites to use treated wastewater, borewell water or well water instead of drinking water wherever directed. Housing societies with sewage treatment plants have been asked to keep them operational and reuse treated wastewater for gardening and toilet flushing.
🟡 Citizens Asked to Avoid Water Wastage
The PMC has appealed to residents to repair leaking taps and pipelines, prevent overhead tanks from overflowing and avoid unnecessary water storage. Hotels, restaurants, hostels and commercial establishments have also been urged to adopt water-saving practices.
The restrictions are intended to protect drinking water supplies as Pune prepares for a potentially difficult period before the next monsoon. Citizens are advised to cooperate with the civic administration and keep track of official announcements regarding any changes to water supply arrangements.
