Dry Taps Across Pune as Water Restoration Delayed After PMC Repair Shutdown
Pune, 24th April 2026: Thousands of Pune residents faced inconvenience on Friday morning after water supply remained disrupted beyond the scheduled shutdown period, even as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said a series of major maintenance and upgrade works had been successfully completed across the city’s water network.
The civic body had suspended supply on Thursday for large-scale repairs and preventive maintenance. However, when supply did not resume in several areas during the usual morning hours, citizens expressed anger over dry taps and delays that disrupted household routines, office schedules and school timings.
Many residents reported having no stored water left for basic morning needs. Demand for private tankers surged in some localities, though several residents said tankers were either delayed or unavailable.
PMC officials said the shutdown was used to complete key infrastructure works, including major maintenance in the electric transmission system in coordination with MSEBCL and replacement of a crucial 1600 mm isolation valve on the Khadakwasla-Warje Water Treatment Plant (WTP) line.
Officials said the earlier valve had remained faulty for five years, forcing shutdowns of Warje Phase I, Warje Phase II and Holkar plants during breakdowns. With the new valve installed, maintenance can now be carried out on individual systems without stopping the entire network.
The corporation also replaced a 3000 mm valve at the Khadakwasla outlet, which officials said was critical to avoid future large-scale repair difficulties. Water meters were installed on 3000 mm and 2000 mm inlet lines at Parvati old and new WTPs, while a 1200 mm meter was fitted at Bhama Askhed city entry point to monitor losses and leakage.
PMC said a total of 45 civil and electrical maintenance works were completed at Parvati Old, Parvati New, Warje Phase I, Warje Phase II and Bhama Askhed facilities.
Most WTPs and pump houses had resumed operations by Friday morning, except Parvati New WTP, where installation of a 2000 mm meter was delayed due to heavy leakage from an adjoining canal. Officials said the work would be completed by noon.
To reduce delays, around 175 MLD water was being lifted from the canal with support from the Irrigation Department.
PMC said supply would be largely restored by around 11.30 am, though low pressure was expected in Aundh, parts of Kothrud, Erandwane, Bhawani Peth and Nana Peth. Across the city, supply may run up to four hours behind schedule.
