El Nino fears: Hyderabad tanker bookings double; households told to reduce water use by 20%

Demand for water tankers increased in Hyderabad in October 2026. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL

As daily water tanker bookings in Hyderabad rose from the usual 3,500 in October last year to around 7,000 this year, the Telangana government has urged households to reduce water consumption by at least 20% and conserve electricity amid fears of El Nino and adverse weather conditions.

Officials are also looking to expand the use of treated wastewater for construction, landscaping, industrial activities and other non-potable uses, while exploring alternative sources to maintain the city’s potable water supply in the coming months.

During a review meeting held at the Hyderabad Collectorate on Friday, Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan directed officials to take precautionary measures to conserve water, protect groundwater resources and reduce electricity consumption. Special officers will monitor the situation in all 16 mandals of Hyderabad district, District Collector Priyanka Ala said.

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has also appealed to residents, builders, commercial enterprises and public agencies to conserve water and increase reuse of treated wastewater whenever possible.

Groundwater levels drop from 3.55 m bgl to 10 m bgl

Groundwater levels have dropped by more than five meters compared to the previous year, he said. “The average groundwater level has come down from 3.55 meters below ground level (BGL) last year to 10 meters BGL this year,” said Harish, deputy director of groundwater department. He further added that out of 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, only three have fallen normally so far. Groundwater level and rainfall are monitored through 33 piezometers throughout the district.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Director General Ashok Reddy said that there have been no inflows into the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs this year and the water currently available will last only till December. The authorities are examining alternative measures, including additional supplies through the Godavari Drinking Water Scheme, the possibility of pumping more Krishna water and setting up additional filter beds at Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar.

Cleaned wastewater replacing fresh water

He further added that HMWSSB will take measures to ensure that 90% of the water required for construction activities will be sourced from treated water available in nearby areas. The council also plans to make treated water mandatory for landscaping, including in government institutions. Of the 13 treated water pumping stations identified under the jurisdiction of the HMWSSB, three to four were operational. The aim is to make all 13 operational by November 1 and another 20 petrol stations are to be set up in the next 15 days, he said.

A ‘Dial a Green Tanker’ mobile app will also be introduced to allow people to book treated water through tankers online. Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) Commissioner G. Srijana urged the sewage treatment plant operators and concerned authorities to ensure proper operation and maintenance of treatment plants and facilitate reuse of treated water for landscaping, park maintenance and other suitable non-potable purposes in accordance with applicable quality standards.

Households requested a 20% reduction in water consumption

Mr. Ranjan said the government plans to carry out extensive awareness programs to encourage every household to reduce water consumption by at least 20%. Residents were asked to use water judiciously, repair leaks quickly and avoid unnecessary wastage. Apartment complexes, commercial establishments, and institutions were encouraged to adopt water-efficient landscaping, use native vegetation, install efficient irrigation systems, and maintain rainwater harvesting structures.

Ms Ala directed officials of the Groundwater Department not to issue permits for new boreholes in a bid to prevent the misuse of groundwater.

AC at 25°C, lower energy consumption

TGSPDCL Managing Director Jitesh Patil said electricity demand in the state has reached a record high of 20,018 MW and could increase further in March and April. He urged government authorities to lead by example and keep air conditioning at 25°C, and asked households and institutions to reduce electricity use between 5pm and 10pm.

The outlook for precipitation remains a problem

India Meteorological Department Scientist Sravani said both night and day temperatures are rising and the onset of winter is delayed. Rainfall during the withdrawal phase of the northeast monsoon is likely to be below normal, she said, while expressing hope that cyclone-related weather systems could bring rainfall in November.

Published – 17 Oct 2026 12:25 PM IST