Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a complete suspension of water supply across the city on Monday, September 16, from 8 am to 5 pm. The disruption is being taken up to facilitate urgent repair and maintenance works at the Thumbay water supply unit, along with essential electrical maintenance by MESCOM.
City-wide suspension planned
According to the MCC executive engineer, the shutdown will affect all areas under the corporation limits. The Thumbay water pumping unit, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for Mangaluru city, requires critical maintenance and repair work. Officials stated that both mechanical repairs and electrical servicing must be carried out simultaneously to prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak demand periods.
“This work is essential to ensure uninterrupted water supply in the coming months. As repairs cannot be carried out without halting pumping operations, water supply will have to be suspended citywide,” an MCC engineer explained.
Thumbay water supply unit and its significance
The Thumbay dam and water treatment facility are the lifeline of Mangaluru’s urban water distribution network. Situated on the Nethravathi River, the unit pumps treated water to multiple reservoirs before being distributed across wards.
The unit requires periodic maintenance to keep its pumping machinery and filtration systems functioning optimally. In addition, MESCOM, the state-run electricity supply company, has scheduled preventive electrical maintenance on the same day, prompting a coordinated shutdown.
Officials pointed out that aligning these works minimises repeated disruption to the public, as both repair and electrical checks will be completed within the same suspension period.
Public urged to take precautions
MCC has appealed to citizens to store adequate water in advance to manage domestic, commercial, and institutional needs during the suspension hours. The corporation has assured that pumping operations will resume immediately after the completion of works, and normal water supply will be restored by the evening of September 16.
Public health authorities have also advised residents to conserve water during the disruption and maintain hygiene by using stored water carefully. Commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals have been specifically requested to make early arrangements to avoid inconvenience.
Essential step before festive season
Corporation officials highlighted that this maintenance exercise comes ahead of the Navaratri and Dasara festival season, when water demand in the city typically rises. “Carrying out the work now will help avoid major breakdowns during the festival days when continuous water supply is crucial,” an MCC officer said.
The city has previously witnessed unplanned shutdowns due to pipe bursts and pumping failures. By taking preventive action in advance, the MCC hopes to avoid similar emergencies.
Prior instances of water cuts
This is not the first time Mangaluru residents are facing a full-day suspension. In the past, periodic works at Thumbay have required similar stoppages, usually lasting between 8 to 12 hours. While they cause temporary inconvenience, the corporation maintains that such measures are unavoidable to sustain the system’s long-term efficiency.
Looking ahead
MCC is also exploring long-term solutions to strengthen the city’s water infrastructure. Proposals include upgradation of pumping capacity, new distribution pipelines, and automation of monitoring systems to minimise supply interruptions. Officials said such improvements would reduce the frequency of maintenance-related shutdowns in the future.
For now, the focus remains on completing the upcoming September 16 maintenance smoothly and restoring supply without delay.
Conclusion
The suspension of water supply across Mangaluru on September 16, though inconvenient, is an essential preventive measure to ensure the city’s water system functions reliably in the months ahead. Residents have been urged to cooperate and make preparations, while MCC has assured that efforts are being made to complete the repair and maintenance work within schedule.