Hyderabad Nearing Drinking Water Crisis Amidst Depleting Reservoir Levels

Hyderabad: After years of consistent water supply, particularly during the summers, Hyderabad appears to be on the brink of a drinking water crisis.

Dwindling levels in the city’s principal water sources, coupled with mediocre groundwater levels due to insufficient rainwater harvesting, are expected to pose challenges in the upcoming summer months.

While certain localities have faced sporadic water shortages in the past, overall water supply in the city has been adequate. However, this time, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) seems ill-prepared, evident from delayed water tanker deliveries and a surge in bookings.

Numerous residential colonies, especially those near the IT corridor, are reporting unreliable municipal water supply and delayed tanker deliveries. In some areas, although water is supplied regularly, the pressure is insufficient to meet demand.

According to officials, HMWS&SB currently supplies 565 million gallons per day (MGD) in Hyderabad, with an additional 50 MGD required in the coming months.

Presently, there are 70 freshwater filling stations operated by the Water Board, with wait times for water tankers stretching up to five days in certain areas. Consequently, many residents are resorting to private utility suppliers, albeit at a steep cost.

“The demand has increased, although not significantly yet, as it is only early March. However, orders for water tankers are expected to surge in April and May,” stated the owner of a water tanker business in Katedan.

A 5,000-liter tanker is priced between Rs 600 to Rs 2,000, with additional charges for distant delivery locations or narrow lanes.

While Water Board officials are devising division-level plans and conducting regular inspections at filling stations to minimize water supply disruptions, the situation has already deteriorated in several locations such as Manikonda, Addagutta, Kukatpally, Jeedimetla, among others.