Pune Water Loss Exposes Ageing Supply Network

Pune: Nearly one-third of Pune’s treated drinking water is being lost before reaching consumers due to persistent leakages in the city’s distribution network, exposing critical gaps in water infrastructure even as residents continue to face supply restrictions during periods of limited reservoir storage. Civic records presented before the municipal council indicate that ageing pipelines, recurring damage during infrastructure works and the absence of a comprehensive leakage management system remain significant challenges for the city’s water security.

Information shared by the municipal administration shows that around water leakage across the distribution network has accounted for approximately 30 per cent of treated water losses over the past three years. During the same period, authorities recorded more than 6,500 complaints related to pipeline leakages, while several cases remain unresolved. Urban water specialists say such losses represent both an environmental and economic concern. Every litre of treated water lost through damaged pipelines increases operational costs, places additional pressure on reservoirs and treatment facilities, and reduces the overall efficiency of the city’s water supply network. In rapidly expanding metropolitan regions like Pune, limiting water leakage has become as important as creating new water sources. The civic administration acknowledged that it currently lacks a permanent citywide technological system to detect underground pipeline failures, with advanced robotic inspection techniques being used only on a pilot basis. Officials also indicated that no dedicated programme currently exists for replacing ageing water pipelines across the city, despite recurring failures in older sections of the network.

Another issue highlighted during the civic discussions relates to damage caused by ongoing infrastructure projects. Excavation work for roads, utilities, metro construction and other public works has repeatedly resulted in accidental pipeline ruptures. However, municipal officials stated that calculating the exact volume of water lost during such incidents remains difficult because leak duration varies from case to case. The disclosures have also raised questions over project coordination. According to information provided by the administration, obtaining mandatory clearance from the water supply department before excavation is not compulsory in every instance. Contractors responsible for damaging pipelines are generally directed to undertake repairs, but no formal financial penalties or disciplinary measures are routinely imposed following such incidents. Urban planners argue that improving coordination between civic departments and infrastructure agencies could significantly reduce avoidable water losses while preventing repeated disruptions to essential public services. Integrated utility mapping, mandatory pre-construction inspections and digital monitoring systems are increasingly regarded as standard practices for resilient urban water management.

With Pune continuing to witness rapid population growth and expanding urban boundaries, experts believe modernising the water distribution system will become increasingly important for ensuring long-term water security. Municipal authorities have indicated that an action plan is under preparation to strengthen pipeline protection and improve network management. The effectiveness of those measures will likely determine whether the city can reduce distribution losses while delivering a more reliable and sustainable water supply to residents.

Also Read: Pune Water Supply Project Faces Extended Delay

Pune Water Loss Exposes Ageing Supply Network