The water requirement of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region  (MMR) is projected to double by 2050. Despite significant population growth over the last decade, it’s surprising to note that while the water requirement of Mumbai is expected to increase by 50 per cent, other cities in the MMR will need 100 per cent more water to support their populations.

While Mumbai has already reached its maximum capacity, it will require an additional 50 per cent more water in the next 25 years. In contrast, smaller neighbouring corporations, such as Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira-Bhayandar, are experiencing rapid growth, and their water needs are expected to double by 2050. Estimates indicate that Mumbai will need 6,535 million litres of water daily (MLD) by 2050. Currently, the city receives 3,850 MLD against a demand of 4,500 MLD. In comparison, the total water requirement for the other five cities—Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, and Kalyan-Dombivli—is projected to reach 4,534 MLD, up from the current requirement of 2,245 MLD. These cities are currently receiving 2,047 MLD, resulting in a supply gap of 200 MLD.