Hyderabad: The city could face a drinking water shortage much earlier than expected, with officials warning that supplies may come under severe pressure by December or January instead of the usual summer months. A 17 percent rainfall deficit across Telangana has significantly reduced water levels in key reservoirs, prompting the state government to prioritize drinking water over agricultural needs. Irrigation officials have been instructed not to release any additional water for farming as authorities work to preserve the remaining reserves for domestic consumption.
The biggest concern is Singur Reservoir, the primary water source for Hyderabad’s western and IT corridor areas. The reservoir currently holds only about 3.9 TMC of water against its full capacity of 29.9 TMC—just 13 percent of its storage. Officials fear that, if current conditions continue, Singur could run dry by mid-December. Water storage has also declined at Osmansagar, an important source for the Old City, while Himayatsagar and other major reservoirs connected to the Krishna and Godavari river systems are witnessing lower inflows due to poor rainfall and El Niño conditions.
To avoid a major disruption, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has begun preparing an emergency water management plan months in advance. Officials are identifying localities dependent on Singur and Manjeera and preparing area-wise contingency strategies, including alternative water sources, supply routes, and distribution plans. Areas that regularly experience low water pressure will receive special attention as the board aims to maintain uninterrupted drinking water supply if reservoir levels continue to decline.
