Mangaluru is set to introduce a rationed water supply system from May 1, aimed at ensuring fair and consistent distribution across all areas, especially those that have long faced shortages.

Under the new plan, water supply will be rotated between different regions. On one day, full supply will be provided to Surathkal and surrounding areas such as Krishnapura, Katipalla and Dambel—localities that often experience low pressure and inadequate access. On alternate days, supply will be directed to the core city areas.

Authorities clarified that this rationing applies only to distribution and not to the total water pumped. Approximately 160 million litres per day (MLD) will continue to be supplied from Thumbe Vented Dam. The objective is to ensure that underserved areas receive sufficient water without reducing overall supply.

Current water levels stand at 4.5 metres at Thumbe and 18.5 metres at the upstream AMR dam. Some inflow into the Nethravati River, due to rainfall in the Western Ghats, has provided limited relief. Officials remain cautiously optimistic but are monitoring the situation closely.

If water levels drop further, additional supply will be released from the AMR dam in May. With summer demand rising, existing reserves are expected to meet the city’s needs until around June 10.

Authorities also addressed the issue of illegal water connections along the Thumbe–Mangaluru pipeline. Of the 58 initially identified, a decision on regularisation and billing will be taken after ensuring adequate supply to villages along the route. The 20 MLD water treatment plant at Ramalkatte is ready, with 10 MLD allocated for these areas.

Pre-Monsoon Preparations Underway

As the monsoon approaches, the civic body has accelerated preparedness measures. Desilting works worth ₹4 crore have been launched, with tenders issued across 32 packages. Work has already begun in 27 packages, while the remaining are expected to start within a week.

To improve transparency, local residents—two to five from each ward—have been included in monitoring committees and briefed on the progress of works.

Contractors working under the Jalasiri Scheme and GAIL piped gas projects have been instructed to complete all excavation work immediately and restore dug-up roads before the onset of rains in June, to prevent disruptions during the monsoon season.