Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is staring at a tough summer, as the gap between the city’s growing water demand and stagnant supply continues to widen. The water board added nearly 50,000 new connections in the past year, but the city’s total water supply has not increased, intensifying pressure on an already stretched network.According to HMWSSB, domestic connections have surged by over six lakh in the past decade, from eight lakh in 2016 to 14.2 lakh by the end of 2025, driven by rapid urban expansion and a housing boom. Yet, water supply has remained at around 600 million gallons per day (MGD) since 2012. Officials admit they are currently unable to augment supply even by 1 MGD, placing intense stress on the distribution network.Peripheral areas worst hitFast-growing localities on the outskirts, including Tellapur, Kollur and Osmannagar, remain the most affected. With high-rise apartments and commercial complexes mushrooming, many residents rely on groundwater and private tankers, especially in summer.“We have a population of around 50,000, but barely 30% of households have water connections. The rest depend entirely on groundwater and tankers. Many apartments applied for connections over a year ago, but regular supply is still missing,” said Ramana Eshwaragir, president of the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association. HMWSSB officials acknowledge the widening shortfall. “The city currently needs about 700 MGD. By 2027, demand is projected to reach 835 MGD, leaving a deficit of nearly 235 MGD,” a senior official said. He added that the Godavari Phase II and III projects, expected next year, should ease shortages.Urban planners blame unregulated construction. “Approvals should not be granted where pipeline infrastructure doesn’t exist. Depending on groundwater for large populations is unsustainable and poses health risks when treated informally for drinking,” warned KM Lakshmana Rao, retired JNTUH professor.To promote conservation, HMWSSB has made rainwater harvesting pits mandatory for new connections andplans to build 18,000 such pits within ORR limits in 90 days.
