Mumbai Rains Bring Relief: City’s Lakes Over 80% Full, Water Stock Doubles Compared to Last Year

Mumbai, July 16:Consistent and widespread monsoon showers have significantly boosted Mumbai's water reserves, with the city's lakes now over 80% full — more than double the stock recorded on the same date last year. As of 6:00 am Wednesday, the cumulative water stock across all seven reservoirs supplying drinking water to the city has reached 11.62 lakh million litres, according to the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department (Master Control Centre, Bhandup Complex).

This marks a dramatic rise compared to 5.33 lakh million litres in 2024 and 4.70 lakh million litres in 2023, indicating one of the most robust water reserves Mumbai has seen in recent years. The current stock accounts for 80.32% of the city’s total usable water capacity, providing much-needed assurance of an uninterrupted supply for the rest of the year.

Mumbai sources its water from seven key reservoirs: Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi.

Reservoir-wise Breakdown:

• Bhatsa Lake holds the highest live stock at 5.31 lakh million litres, or 74.18% of its capacity. It received 15 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, bringing its seasonal total to 1,472 mm.

• Middle Vaitarna is at 86.67% capacity with 1.78 lakh million litres, although the level dipped by 0.67 metres in the last 24 hours.

• Tansa and Modak Sagar are both over 93% full, with Modak Sagar overflowing since July 9, reflecting strong inflow from its catchment areas.

• Upper Vaitarna, which began releasing water on July 5, is at 77.29% capacity with 1.75 lakh million litres.

• Vihar Lake has reached 91% and recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall at 75 mm.

• Tulsi Lake, though smaller, is at 52.73% capacity.

The Bhandup Complex, which monitors and processes water supply for the city, has recorded 827 mm of cumulative rainfall this season, with 28 mm falling in the past 24 hours alone.

BMC Remains Optimistic

With more rainfall predicted in the coming weeks, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are optimistic that this year's water levels are more than adequate to ensure no water cuts or supply issues through the rest of 2025.

“This is a very encouraging situation. Compared to previous years, we are already in a comfortable zone. If this rainfall pattern continues, Mumbai will be water-secure this year,” a senior BMC official said.