No Rain! Pune To Get Water On Alternate Days From June 15 As Reservoir Levels Fall Critically Low

Vidhi Lalla 

Pune , 11th June , 2026: With reservoir levels dropping sharply and monsoon inflows yet to provide significant relief, Pune is preparing to implement alternate-day water supply from June 15 to conserve dwindling water reserves.

Pune residents may soon have to adjust to a new water supply schedule as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) prepares to introduce alternate-day water supply from June 15. The decision comes amid a sharp decline in water levels across reservoirs supplying the city and growing concerns over the availability of water until the monsoon strengthens.

The move was discussed during a high-level review meeting. The meeting was attended by civic officials and public representatives. Authorities concluded that reducing water consumption is necessary to ensure existing reserves last through the coming weeks. A detailed circular outlining the implementation plan is expected to be issued shortly.

Reservoir levels have reached a critical stage. The situation has prompted  the administration to take precautionary measures before the situation worsens. Officials estimate that only a limited portion of the remaining water stock is available for regular city supply after accounting for other essential allocations. With Pune’s daily water demand remaining high, uninterrupted daily supply is no longer considered sustainable under present conditions.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram indicated that authorities had avoided imposing restrictions during the peak summer period to minimise hardship for residents. However, delayed rainfall and continuously declining water storage have forced the administration to consider stricter conservation measures.

The alternate-day supply system is expected to remain in place until reservoir inflows improve significantly. Water distribution across the city’s supply zones will be closely monitored. Meanwhile, enforcement teams will be deployed to prevent wastage and ensure compliance with conservation norms.

Authorities are also planning additional restrictions aimed at reducing non-essential consumption. These may include limiting the use of drinking water for construction activities, increasing the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, monitoring large-scale water consumers and taking action against misuse of potable water. Restrictions on water-intensive facilities such as vehicle washing centres and swimming pools are also under consideration.

Officials have attributed the crisis to delayed monsoon progress and weak rainfall in catchment areas feeding Pune’s reservoirs. If adequate rainfall does not arrive soon, pressure on available reserves could increase further in the coming weeks.

The proposed rationing has triggered concern among residents in several parts of the city, particularly in localities already experiencing low water pressure and irregular supply. 

A Kothrud resident, Anil Gupta voiced frustration by saying, “Tanker prices would rise again as they had during similar cuts the previous year.” He said that, “PMC had failed to prepare adequately again and water shortage is a well-known recurring issue and that residents would now bear the consequences.”

Another resident from Kondhwa living on the third floor of a building said, ” we can manage water storage for even a single day in a flat, but beyond that it created problems for maintenance and hygiene.” He added that weak water pressure at his floor made filling buckets a particular challenge.

Citizen groups have urged authorities to simultaneously address leakages, distribution losses and supply inefficiencies while implementing conservation measures.

PMC has appealed to citizens to cooperate with water-saving efforts, avoid unnecessary consumption and use available supplies responsibly until reservoir levels recover.

FAQs

When will alternate-day water supply begin in Pune?
PMC is planning to implement alternate-day water supply from June 15, with detailed schedules expected to be announced shortly.

Why is Pune introducing water rationing?
Water levels in reservoirs supplying the city have fallen significantly, while monsoon inflows have remained below expectations, making conservation measures necessary.

Will all areas of Pune be affected?
The proposed plan is expected to cover areas under PMC jurisdiction, though zone-wise schedules and operational details are yet to be released.

How long will the alternate-day supply continue?
The duration will depend on rainfall, reservoir inflows and the overall water availability situation in the coming weeks.

What water-saving measures are being planned?
Authorities are considering restrictions on non-essential water use, increased use of treated wastewater, tighter monitoring of consumption and action against wastage.

What should residents do?
Residents are advised to store water responsibly, avoid wastage, repair leakages and reduce non-essential usage until the situation improves.

Disclaimer: Water supply schedules and restrictions may change based on rainfall patterns and official decisions. Residents should follow updates issued by the Pune Municipal Corporation.