Water Levels in Mumbai Lakes Rise by 28%, But Supply Still Below Safe Mark

Mumbai, June 23 – Despite early monsoon showers and a recent 28% rise in water storage, Mumbai's overall water levels remain below satisfactory thresholds, prompting close monitoring by civic authorities. According to the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department (Master Control Centre, Bhandup Complex), as of 6:00 AM on Monday, the city’s seven reservoirs together hold approximately 40 lakh million litres of water – a considerable increase, but still far from full capacity.

One of Mumbai’s key water sources, Upper Vaitarna, recorded a slight dip in water level, now standing at 598.48 meters, a decrease of 0.18 meters from previous readings. The lake currently holds 75,726 million litres of usable water. Notably, water release from Upper Vaitarna has been paused since June 9, a measure aimed at conserving reserves amid uneven rainfall.

Other major reservoirs have shown stable or improving levels. Modak Sagar has risen to 147.38 meters, containing 20,197 million litres, while Tansa holds 30,153 million litres at 121.45 meters. These two lakes continue to play a crucial role in sustaining daily supply across Mumbai.

Middle Vaitarna reports 19,127 million litres at a height of 238.60 meters, though the WSCPO gate at this location remains closed. Bhatsa Lake, the city's largest reservoir, reached 103.25 meters, with a massive 7,17,037 million litres in storage, out of which 5,78,130 million litres is allocated for BMC consumption.

Vihar Lake, though relatively small, remains significant with 5,226 million litres at 75.32 meters.

Despite accumulating 363 mm of monsoon rainfall so far, the inflow remains insufficient to bring the lakes up to their safe storage levels. Authorities stress that rainfall in the Bhatsa catchment area is critical, with recent showers contributing modestly.

Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in the Konkan-Goa region today, raising hopes for improved inflows in the coming days.

Civic authorities continue to keep a close eye on the water levels. While the 28% storage rise over the last 24 hours is a positive sign, officials remain cautious, urging citizens to use water judiciously until reservoirs reach more secure levels.