Pune to Roll Out Metered Water Billing in 2026: A Step Towards Efficient Water Management

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to introduce a pilot project for metered water billing in residential areas, marking a significant shift towards equitable and efficient water management. This initiative is part of the broader 24×7 water supply project, which aims to provide uninterrupted water supply to all city residents. As of now, only commercial establishments are billed based on actual water consumption, while residential users pay a fixed water charge included in their annual property tax. The new system will replace this flat-rate billing with charges based on actual usage, promoting fair usage and discouraging wastage. PMC has identified specific zones where over 90% of the properties have functioning water meters. These zones will be part of the pilot phase, with plans to expand the system citywide if successful. The pilot project is expected to begin in March 2026, following the completion of the Equitable Water Supply Scheme, which is currently 75% complete and slated for completion by December 2025. The move comes in response to data indicating excessive water usage in certain areas. Preliminary data from zones where meters have been installed show that water consumption among residents far exceeds expected norms, sometimes up to three times the recommended 135 litres per capita per day. This overconsumption has prompted PMC to implement the metered billing system to encourage responsible water usage. However, the rollout of the metered system has faced challenges. Since installation began eight years ago, only about 70% of the planned meters have been set up, with around 1.8 lakh meters installed to date. Setbacks have included public opposition and a shortage of semiconductor chips used in meter manufacturing. In response to these challenges, PMC has started issuing notices to property owners urging them to install water meters. Non-compliance may result in disconnection of water supply without prior notice. The civic body has emphasized the importance of cooperation from residents to ensure the success of the project. While the administration believes the move will lead to more efficient water management, citizens and activists have raised concerns. Some residents have welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for fairness and adequate water supply. They argue that all taxpayers, including those from slums and housing societies, should be treated equally. Activists have also criticized PMC for threatening disconnection instead of addressing underlying issues such as illegal connections and inadequate water supply. Despite these concerns, the progress in implementing metered water billing reflects a broader trend towards digital governance and resource optimization in urban India. If successful, the pilot project could serve as a model for other cities aiming to modernize their water supply systems and promote sustainable resource usage.