Mumbai’s Water Supply Secure Until June 2025 as Lakes Reach 92.85% Capacity
Mumbai, 14th August 2024: With the water levels in Mumbai’s seven lakes reaching 92.85% as of Tuesday morning, the city is unlikely to experience any water cuts until June 2025.
Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clarified that each percentage point of water in the lakes represents about three days’ worth of supply. Based on the current levels, the available water is expected to last for around 278 days or approximately nine months.
“Since the lakes have surpassed 90% capacity, there is no expectation of water shortages until at least the next monsoon season,” stated an official.
Earlier this year, a combination of intense summer heat led to a significant decline in the water stock by the end of June. However, due to sufficient rainfall, the lakes have now reached 90% capacity. Unless unforeseen challenges arise, such as substantial leaks or filtration system issues, the likelihood of water cuts remains minimal.
Mumbai receives its water supply from seven lakes: Tansa, Bhatsa, Tulsi, Vihar, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, and Modak Sagar.
These lakes, located in suburban Mumbai as well as the Thane, Palghar, and Nashik districts, are replenished during the monsoon, with water transported to the city via pipelines and channels. Despite an early onset of the monsoon in June, lake water levels had dropped to their lowest in three years by the end of the month.
However, substantial rainfall over the past month has significantly raised the levels. By July 14, the water stock stood at 29.74%. When at full capacity, the lakes can store 14.47 lakh million litres of water.
According to BMC data, the Tulsi, Vihar, and Modak Sagar lakes are currently at full capacity, while Tansa is at 98%, Middle Vaitarna at 97%, and Bhatsa at 94%. The Upper Vaitarna lake holds 88% of its capacity.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast only light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai in the coming week, with no alerts for heavy showers.
