Mumbai Rains: Water Levels In City's 7 Lakes Rise To 73.5% Amid Consistent Rainfall In Catchment Areas

Mumbai: Following consistent rainfall over the past few days, water levels in Mumbai's key lakes have risen significantly, bringing relief to the city’s water supply prospects. As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 10, the combined water stock in the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai has touched 10.63 lakh million litres, amounting to 73.50 per cent of total useful live storage capacity, according to data released by the BMC's Hydraulic Engineer’s Department.

Modak Sagar Dam Overflows

Among the major contributors to this surge is the Modak Sagar Dam, which began overflowing on July 9 at 6:27 am. The lake recorded a water level of 163.17 metres, its full supply level (FSL) and holds 100 per cent useful content. Similarly, Upper Vaitarna recorded a level of 601.68 metres, with 74.02 per cent of its useful live storage filled.

Tansa Lake, another critical reservoir, stood at 126.99 metres, which translates to 78.76 per cent of its live storage, while Middle Vaitarna held 93.22 per cent of useful content at a level of 280.56 metres. These reservoirs have all received healthy rainfall over the monsoon period, with Middle Vaitarna recording 25 mm of rainfall today, and a total seasonal rainfall of 1586 mm.

Meanwhile, the lakes in the southern region, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi, are also showing positive signs. Bhatsa, the largest contributor to the city’s water supply, currently holds 4.54 lakh million litres, with 19.75 per cent of its live storage utilised. Tulsi, one of the smaller lakes, is nearing full capacity with 99.43 per cent of its storage filled.

Massive Rise In Water Levels Compared To Previous Year Data

The total water stock in all lakes supplying Mumbai has reached 10.63 lakh million litres, compared to just 3.13 lakh million litres on the same date last year, a massive leap that reflects over four times the storage compared to 2024. Rainfall recorded at the Bhandup Complex, which manages water treatment and distribution, stood at 8 mm today, with a total cumulative rainfall of 694 mm for the season so far.

The encouraging rise in lake levels has reduced the immediate threat of water cuts in the city. Authorities remain cautious but optimistic, continuing close monitoring of lake levels as monsoon activity progresses steadily. With more rain forecast in the coming days, officials believe the city's water needs for the year may soon be fully secured.