Mumbai: Nearly two months after restoring water supply to municipal swimming pools, BMC is considering reviewing its decision as stocks in the seven lakes serving Mumbai remain below last year’s levels and temperatures begin to rise.Water supply to municipal pools was suspended on June 17 and was resumed on Aug 16 after rainfall picked up across the state and lake levels improved. “But there is a need to reassess this decision as harsher summer conditions were emerging, indicating that water demand would increase in coming months. We also need to account for supplies until the next monsoon,” a senior BMC official said.BMC had disconnected water supply to around 128 construction sites in May, including those paying civic water charges, and has not restored it, added the official. A 10% citywide water cut, imposed on May 15, remains in force.BMC data showed that on Oct 8, the seven lakes held 13.3 lakh million litres, or around 94% of their combined capacity, against 14.3 lakh million litres, or 99%, on the same date last year. Stocks in 2024 were 14.3 lakh million litres, or 98.6%. Modak Sagar was at 69% capacity, compared with 99% last year and 95% in 2024. An official said water from Modak Sagar, which receives supplies from Vaitarna system and acts as a balancing lake, was being used before Vaitarna’s gates were opened.Mayor Ritu Tawde said: “The civic administration’s priority is to provide adequate water to citizens. Therefore, whatever steps are needed to ensure that citizens are given first priority will be taken.”
