Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced that water supply across the city will be provided on alternate days starting May 4, 2026, following a sharp decline in water levels at the Thumbe Vented Dam on the Netravathi River.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over dwindling water reserves as the region faces an extended dry spell, with no fresh inflow into the dam, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for the coastal city.
Declining water levels prompt rationing
MCC Commissioner Ravi Chandra Nayak stated that the implementation of alternate-day water supply is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring that the available water lasts until the end of summer.
According to officials, the water level at the Thumbe Vented Dam has dropped significantly in recent weeks due to the absence of rainfall and upstream inflow. With the situation expected to persist until the onset of the monsoon, authorities have opted for controlled distribution to avoid a severe crisis.
“The inflow into the dam has completely stopped. In order to manage the existing reserves efficiently and equitably, we have decided to supply water on alternate days,” the Commissioner said.
Impact on residents
The new schedule is likely to affect thousands of households across Mangaluru, requiring residents to adapt to reduced water availability. Citizens have been advised to store water responsibly and avoid wastage during supply hours.
Apartment complexes, commercial establishments, and industries that rely heavily on municipal water may face additional challenges and could turn to private water tankers to meet their needs. This may also lead to an increase in demand—and potentially prices—for private water supply services in the coming weeks.
Appeal for conservation
MCC has urged residents to adopt water conservation practices during this period. Authorities emphasised the importance of minimising non-essential usage such as washing vehicles, watering gardens, and other activities that consume large quantities of water.
Officials are also expected to intensify monitoring to prevent misuse and ensure fair distribution across different parts of the city. In previous years, similar measures have been implemented during peak summer months when reservoir levels drop critically.
Measures under consideration
While alternate-day supply is the immediate step, the civic body is reportedly exploring additional measures to manage the situation. These may include regulating borewell usage, identifying leakages in the distribution network, and coordinating with local bodies for supplementary water sources if required.
Emergency plans may also be activated if the situation worsens before the arrival of monsoon rains, typically expected in early June along the Karnataka coast.
Hope pinned on monsoon
The duration of the rationing will largely depend on the arrival and intensity of the southwest monsoon. A timely onset of rains could replenish the Netravathi River and restore normal water supply conditions.
Until then, residents are expected to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the revised schedule to ensure that the limited water resources are utilised efficiently.
Conclusion
The MCC’s decision underscores the seriousness of the water shortage currently facing Mangaluru. With no inflow into the Thumbe Vented Dam, conservation and careful management of resources remain crucial. The coming weeks will test the city’s resilience as it navigates the peak summer period while awaiting relief from the monsoon.