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Thane’s Water Challenge and the Path Forward


Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) faces a significant challenge in balancing water supply with the growing needs of our city. Understanding how much water we need versus how much we receive, and where the shortages are most severe, is crucial for addressing this critical issue.

The city’s current total water demand for domestic and commercial uses stands at 460 MLD (Million Litres per Day). However, the actual water supply—derived from TMC supply is only 407 MLD. This leaves TMC with an overall water deficit of 53 MLD. Currently, the deficit is assumed to be met by informal sources, such as private bore wells.

While the city experiences an overall shortage, the problem is not uniform across all areas. Seven out of the nine administrative wards in TMC report a water deficit. The current water supply capacity in these wards is inadequate to meet the required domestic and commercial demand.
The most severe deficits are concentrated in the following wards (based on 2024 data): Mumbra – 15 MLD; Kalwa – 14 MLD; Diva – 12 MLD; Uthalsar – 11 MLD; Lokmanya Nagar – 7 MLD; Wagle – 6 MLD; Naupada–Kopari – 2 MLD, all indicating water deficits. It is worth noting that only two wards, Majiwada–Manpada (+9 MLD) and Vartak Nagar (+4 MLD), currently maintain a positive water balance.
The challenge is set to escalate dramatically. If the current population growth rate continues, Thane’s population is projected to more than double by 2046 compared to 2024. This growth will place immense pressure on our already strained resources, causing the overall city deficit to increase significantly.
In 2024, the total water demand was 460 million litres per day (MLD), with a projected water deficit of 53 MLD. By 2035, the total water demand is expected to rise to 766 MLD, resulting in a projected deficit of 80 MLD. Further, by 2046, the total water demand is projected to reach 1,223 MLD, with a water deficit estimated at 120 MLD.
An increase in demand will increase the pressure on existing groundwater resources, likely causing over-dependence and further depletion, impacting the steady decline in groundwater levels.
Strengthening our used water management system is key to reducing the city’s dependence on freshwater sources. Thane currently generates 328 MLD of domestic used water. Currently, only 12 MLD of treated used water (TUW) is being reused for municipal purposes.
Maximising the treatment and safe reuse of this resource can help close the supply-demand gap in two major ways: 1. Using Treated Used Water (TUW) for indirect groundwater recharge. 2 Directly using TUW for non-potable purposes, thereby saving freshwater for essential needs.
Some of the municipal water consumption areas where TUW can be used are landscaping, cleaning, construction sites, fire stations, industries, commercial establishments, public utilities, ground water recharge etc. 
By strengthening used water management, we can prevent the misuse of groundwater and improve the quality of local water sources. Addressing our water deficit requires a comprehensive strategy focusing both on conservation and the sustainable management of used water resources.
Source: Treated Used Water Reuse Plan for Thane City, prepared by Council on Energy, Environment and Water

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