Pune households and housing societies are adopting tap aerators, flow regulators, dual-flush toilet kits and water-efficient cleaning equipment as civic water supply cuts take effect and concerns grow over shortages. Residents said several conservation measures were introduced two to three months ago following appeals from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and warnings from the India Meteorological Department about deficient rainfall.
Among the most widely adopted devices are tap aerators and flow regulators, which reduce the volume of water released through taps. Residents said the equipment is inexpensive and can be installed in individual homes as well as on public water taps. An aerator can cost about Rs 60, according to Ganesh Bora, a Chinchwad resident who said he began distributing the devices after seeing their effect.
“I use an aerator and, after seeing its benefits, I started giving it to others. It has helped people and saved thousands of litres of water in housing societies across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad,” Bora said.
Some households have also installed dual-flush systems, check valves and pressure-controlled spray nozzles. These measures are intended to reduce water use in toilets, kitchens and bathrooms without requiring major changes to household plumbing. Residents said the measures were being adopted as supply restrictions increased the need to manage stored water more carefully.
In Paud Road, resident Sunil Kulkarni said his household had installed sprinklers on kitchen taps to reduce water consumption and greywater generation. Car owners have also shifted towards high-pressure washers, cordless water guns and adjustable spray nozzles for vehicle cleaning, reducing reliance on conventional hosepipes.
Housing societies are introducing their own informal restrictions as they prepare for greater dependence on borewells during supply curbs. AM Dixit, an office bearer of a housing society in Kothrud, said residents had been asked to postpone water-intensive activities, including laundry, on days when supply was cut. Some societies have limited washing-machine use to alternate days and reduced vehicle washing and common-area cleaning.
The response is placing more responsibility for managing shortages at the household and society level while the civic administration promotes conservation campaigns through conventional and digital platforms. Local political representatives have also urged residents to use water-saving devices and reduce wastage.
“We are urging people to use these devices. It will not only raise awareness about water conservation, but also actually save water,” said Anil Rupade of the local BJP unit.
PMC water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap said the water cuts had been declared and asked residents to restrict use to essential needs. “Citizens should ensure that water is used only when necessary. Misuse of water must be reduced,” he said. The civic body’s next steps, according to the department, include continuing public conservation campaigns while the supply restrictions remain in force.
