El Nino concerns: Hyderabad tanker bookings double; households told to cut water use by 20%

The demand for water tankers rose in Hyderabad in October, 2026. The image is used for representative purposes only. | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

With daily water tanker bookings in Hyderabad rising from the usual 3,500 in October to around 7,000 this year and groundwater levels declining sharply, the Telangana government has urged households to reduce water consumption by at least 20% and conserve electricity amid concerns over El Nino and adverse weather conditions.

Officials are also preparing to expand the use of treated wastewater for construction, landscaping, industrial activities and other non-drinking purposes, while exploring alternative sources to sustain the city’s drinking water supply in the coming months.

At a review meeting held at the Hyderabad Collectorate on Friday (October 16, 2026), Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan directed officials to take precautionary measures to conserve water, protect groundwater resources and reduce electricity consumption. Special officers will monitor the situation across all 16 mandals of Hyderabad district, the District Collector Priyanka Ala said.

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) too appealed to residents, builders, commercial establishments and public agencies to conserve water and increase the reuse of treated wastewater wherever feasible.

Groundwater levels decline from 3.55 m bgl to 10 m bgl

Groundwater levels had declined by more than five metres compared with the previous year, he said. “The average groundwater level had fallen from 3.55 metres below ground level (bgl) last year to 10 metres bgl this year,” said Harish, Deputy Director of the Ground Water Department. He further added that of the 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, only three received normal rainfall so far, while the remaining 13 were experiencing a rainfall deficit. Groundwater levels and rainfall are being monitored through 33 piezometers across the district.