Pune, India, is experiencing a significant rise in its dependence on water tankers, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reporting an increase in tanker trips from 400,348 in 2023-24 to 517,422 in 2025-26. This surge is attributed to a combination of population growth, uneven water supply, and rapid urban expansion, particularly in areas where infrastructure has not kept pace with development. Nandkishore Jagtap, chief engineer of the PMC water supply department, noted that the absence of an elected political body for some time has increased pressure to provide tanker supplies in regions lacking regular water connections. The demand for tankers peaks during the dry months of March to May, with 58,345 trips recorded in March 2026 alone. Private contractors dominate this sector, accounting for over 80% of trips, and the reliance on emergency tankers has also increased. Residents in areas like Undri and Pisoli report that their water supply largely comes from private tankers, and recent rate hikes by operators are adding to their financial burden. Experts warn that potential weather changes, particularly the emergence of El Niño, could lead to reduced rainfall and heightened temperatures, further straining Pune's water resources.