Mumbai: The BMC has decided to resume municipal swimming pool facilities for Mumbaikars from Sunday, August 16. As part of the reopening, the civic administration has directed that water connections to the swimming pools be restored, water quality be tested, and swimming instructors-cum-lifeguards be on full time duty to ensure safety.The BMC said that the decision to resume water supply to swimming pools was taken after taking into account the improved water stocks in the seven lakes supplying the city. As of 6am on Wednesday, the reservoirs had a combined usable water stock of 12,95,274 million litres, which is 89.49% of their total useful capacity of 14,47,363 million litres.The BMC has further directed that water samples from the pools be tested at the municipal laboratory and that a certificate from the analyst confirming the water is technically fit for swimming be obtained. All these arrangements have to be completed by Saturday, August 15, following which the swimming pool will reopen from August 16, either in the morning or evening session.However, no decision has yet been taken on the withdrawal of the 10% water cut in place since May. “While the decision to resume water supply to swimming pools will provide relief to citizens using them, considering the long-term planning of the available water stock, the need for prudent water usage remains essential. Further decisions regarding withdrawal of the ongoing water cut will be taken based on continuous review of upcoming rainfall, water stock status, and weather forecasts,” said a BMC official.
