Mumbai has water stock for 280 days, cut unlikely till mid-2025

“Since the lakes have surpassed the 90% threshold, we do not foresee any water shortages until at least the next monsoon season,” an official stated.

“This year, the rapid evaporation of lake water during the peak summer temperatures led to a significant dip in stock by the end of June. However, thanks to favorable rainfall, the lakes are now 90 per cent full. Unless there are unforeseen issues, such as major leaks or problems with filtration units, a water cut is unlikely,” the official added.

Mumbai’s water supply comes from seven lakes: Tansa, Bhatsa, Tulsi, Vihar, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, and Modak Sagar.

During the monsoon, these lakes’ catchment areas are replenished, and the water is then distributed to Mumbai through pipelines and channels. These lakes are situated in suburban Mumbai as well as in the Thane, Palghar, and Nashik districts.

Although the monsoon began early in June this year, the lakes’ water levels had dropped to their lowest in the past three years by the end of June.

However, in the last month, significant rainfall in Mumbai and surrounding areas has rapidly increased the lake levels. On July 14, the water stock had been at 29.74%. When fully filled, the lakes have a total holding capacity of 14.47 lakh million liters.

According to data from the BMC, the Tulsi, Vihar, and Modak Sagar lakes are at full capacity, while Tansa is at 98%, Middle Vaitarna at 97%, and Bhatsa at 94%. The Upper Vaitarna lake is at 88%.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted only light to moderate showers for Mumbai over the coming week and has not issued any heavy rainfall alerts for the city.