Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has pointed to "serious management problems" in water supply in the city and sought a report from Delhi Jal Board on supply and consumption in each Assembly constituency.
Kejriwal sought details on where all the water was being sent and the quantity provided to each Assembly segment.
In a letter written to the DJB chief executive officer, Kejriwal said that Delhi – having a population of over two crore – has fresh water availability of 900 MGD (million gallons per day).
This puts per capita per day availability of water in the city at 170 litres, which is one of the highest in the world, the Chief Minister said, citing examples of European countries including United Kingdom (150 litres), Germany(115 litres), Netherlands (125), Denmark 131), Belgium (107) among others.
"With the availability of 170 litres per capita per day availability of water, we are not able to provide even a few hours supply to each household. This means that it is a serious management problem," he said.
The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has set a target of ensuring piped water supply in entire Delhi by the end of 2017. A senior official of Chief Minister's office said that Rs 2,107.9 crore has been allocated for water supply and cleanliness in the fiscal 2017-18.
As per the Economic Survey of Delhi (2016-17), 81 per cent of households have access to piped water supply. As per the 2011 Census, there are 33.41 lakh households in Delhi, of which 27.16 lakh are getting water supply through pipelines.
"Last year was historical in developing infrastructure for water supply, as 309 unauthorised colonies were provided water pipelines since the government came to power in Delhi.
"So far 1,200 unauthorised colonies have access to piped water supply. 200 more will be brought under piped water supply system. The Board has been successfully providing free water, up to 20 kiloliters a month to residents here," said the government official.
Last year's Delhi budget highlighted the government's focus areas ofproviding improved water supply and quality, besides reaching new areas through water pipeline.