Hyderabad Residents Face Water Loss Amid Tanker Failures
Hyderabad’s water supply system is currently facing significant challenges, with leaky and poorly maintained water tankers contributing to substantial water wastage. Residents across various localities have reported observing water tankers traversing the streets with water spilling from open or damaged top caps.
One resident noted, “We often see tankers rushing past with water pouring out, even though they have slogans saying ‘Water is precious, every drop counts.'” This observation highlights a growing concern among residents, especially as the city grapples with increasing temperatures and a rising demand for water. Beyond issues with top caps, many tankers are also equipped with faulty release valves, leading to continuous leakage during transit. A concerned resident remarked, “Water leaks from the valves too. By the time the tanker reaches its destination, a lot has already been lost.” This inefficiency not only exacerbates the city’s water scarcity but also raises questions about the maintenance standards of the tankers used for water distribution.
The increasing reliance on water tankers has further strained the city’s water resources. Recent data indicates a surge in demand, with over 1.44 lakh water tankers booked between February 1 and 24, 2025, marking a 60% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. High-demand areas such as Manikonda, Durgam Cheruvu, Kukatpally, S R Nagar, Nizampet, Hafeezpet, and Saheb Nagar have been particularly affected. This heightened demand coincides with reports of leaking pipelines, resulting in significant amounts of drinking water being wasted, further intensifying the crisis. In response to these challenges, officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) have acknowledged the issues and assured corrective measures. Mayank Mittal, the executive director of HMWSSB, stated, “Tankers must be well-maintained, leak-free, and carry the Water Board logo. Our vigilance team monitors these aspects closely.” He further emphasized that strict action is taken when violations are found, including penalties for drivers if tankers lack the official logo or if they deliver water to unauthorized locations.
The board has also initiated measures such as real-time tracking of tankers, especially in high-demand areas, and monitoring the filling process to check for leaks at filling stations. To address the root causes of water wastage, HMWSSB officials have replaced faulty valves identified at filling stations and are enforcing stricter measures to prevent further losses. However, residents continue to express frustration over recurring issues, particularly in areas with aging and rusting pipelines that have not been adequately repaired. One resident from Nizampet shared, “For the past month, we have been facing a continuous overflow of drinking water from the damaged pipeline; due to that, the complete lane has become slippery. We are receiving water at very low pressure and due to that we are forced to depend on tankers.”
The situation underscores the need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements and enhanced maintenance protocols within the city’s water supply system. As Hyderabad approaches the summer months, ensuring the efficient operation of water tankers and the integrity of distribution infrastructure will be crucial in mitigating the water crisis and preventing further wastage.
