Mumbai Losing 1,400 Million Litres of Water Daily Due to Leaks and Thefts
Mumbai: Mumbai is facing a severe water crisis, losing as much as 1,400 million litres (ML) of water daily due to leakages and thefts. This accounts for 34% of the water supplied by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC), even as several wards struggle with acute shortages.
In 2023 alone, the city registered 26,962 complaints regarding water theft and pipeline leakages. Despite years of investment in infrastructure repairs and replacements, the problem has worsened, with water loss increasing from 20% in 2009 to 34% today.
Mumbai sources its water from seven lakes, including Tulsi and Vihar, with others located in neighbouring districts like Palghar, Thane, and Nashik. The water is transported via a 650km transmission network and 6,000km of service pipes. Currently, Mumbai receives 3,950 ML of water daily—falling short of the required 4,463 ML. By 2041, demand is expected to surge to 6,900 ML per day.
Failures in Tackling Water Loss
Activists and experts have criticised the BMC’s handling of the issue. Sitaram Shelar, founder of the NGO Pani Haq Samiti, highlighted how slum communities are unfairly blamed for unauthorised water tapping despite being among the most water-deprived.
“The BMC once had a dedicated leak detection cell, but it was shut down,” Shelar revealed. “Instead, large sums of money have gone into lucrative repair contracts benefiting only contractors. Worse, BMC officials are complicit in granting illegal water connections to slum ‘dadas’.”
Despite claims of replacing 80% of old pipelines, the growing water loss rate suggests systemic failures. “If the pipelines were truly fixed, why has the loss increased?” Shelar questioned. “The department lacks political will, and the so-called revival of leak detection is just for show. With only one man per ward working on it, how can it be effective?”
Infrastructure Challenges and Solutions
Dr. Subhajit Mukherjee, India’s Water Hero under the Jal Jeevan Mission, acknowledged the historical infrastructure challenges Mumbai faces. “The city’s pipeline network dates back to the British era. Leakages are inevitable, but timely maintenance is crucial,” he said.
While the BMC has conducted frequent audits, Dr. Mukherjee pointed out that execution remains poor. “New AI-based technologies can detect leaks, but they require financial investment. The BMC is working on this, but progress is slow.”
Additionally, water wastage within homes through inefficient flushing systems and non-potable uses exacerbates the problem. “Individual water metering in new constructions should be mandatory to monitor consumption,” Dr. Mukherjee suggested.
Vacant Engineering Posts and Pipeline Vulnerabilities
A senior civic official highlighted how pipeline security and maintenance remain critical challenges. Mumbai’s pipelines, running through remote and forested areas, are highly vulnerable to damage due to soil erosion, silt, humidity, waste, and chemical corrosion. Infrastructure projects across the city have further damaged pipelines.
Moreover, 38% of engineering positions in the hydraulic engineering department remain vacant, leaving it understaffed. Despite these hurdles, the BMC has laid 95km of tunnels, with an additional 20km in progress. Under its ‘Water to All’ policy, the BMC has also provided 7,868 new water connections to slum areas between June 2022 and December 2024.
Future Measures to Curb Water Loss
Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), stated that a consultant has been appointed to draft a comprehensive plan to reduce non-revenue water. “The consultant will suggest effective measures to address leakages and prevent theft,” he said.
As Mumbai’s water crisis deepens, urgent action is needed to secure the city’s supply and prevent further wastage. The failure to curb losses not only strains infrastructure but also impacts millions of residents struggling with daily shortages.
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