A 30 per cent water cut? But this is hardly a problem for residents of the Sealine Housing Society in suburban Khar in Mumbai.

Despite the water shortage Sealine enjoys uninterrupted water supply because it's one of the few housing societies to have installed a rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater falling on its terrace and compound is collected in an underground tank which then seeps into the ground and recharges the three borewells inside the building.

This water is carried to an overhead tank for use by residents.

Faced with a severe water scarcity four years ago Sealine residents decided to go in for rainwater harvesting. At 6 lakh rupees it didn't come cheap but the residents saw it not as cost, but investment for the future.

In fact they often have surplus water and during a crisis supply to nearby buildings.

"We now save up to 40 per cent of the BMC's water everyday. There is more than enough water to meet all our daily needs," said Naveen Chandra, Secretary, Sealine Housing Society.

"We have 24 hours running water supply because of this system," said Kalpana, a domestic help.

In these times of scarcity, Sealine could show the way for other societies.