The Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is facing significant challenges as it contemplates extending its flagship scheme of providing 20,000 litres of free water each month to households in newly merged areas. Currently, the scheme benefits 6.3 lakh domestic consumers within the erstwhile Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. However, with around 2.5 lakh households in newly added areas applying for the free water benefit, the demand is rising sharply. This situation is exacerbated by a widening gap between the city's water demand and supply; Hyderabad requires over 700 million gallons per day (MGD) but can only supply approximately 570 MGD. Senior officials indicate that the extension of the free water scheme will likely remain on hold until the completion of the Godavari Phase-II and Phase-III drinking water projects, which are expected to enhance the city's water supply capacity by 2027. The pressing demand for water underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to support the growing population and newly incorporated areas.