Mumbai Water Stock Falls To 22% In 7 Lakes; BMC Assures Supply Till July 31 Amid Rising Evaporation Concerns

Mumbai: The seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai are currently holding just 22% of their total storage capacity. After a review on Monday, the BMC reassured residents that the existing water stock is adequate to meet the city's needs until July 31.

However, with rising temperatures accelerating evaporation, officials have raised concerns about the potential for a water crisis if the situation doesn't improve. The BMC is relying on a contingency reserve, which can be drawn from the Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna lakes in case of an emergency.

Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani conducted a review of Mumbai’s water stock at the BMC headquarters on Monday. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar and Chief Engineer of the Water Department, Purshottam Malavade.

During the review, it was noted that while current lake levels have declined, they remain higher than the same period in 2024 and 2023, when water reserves stood at 17.54% and 23.01%, respectively. However, rising temperatures and increased evaporation have become a growing concern, contributing to a steady depletion of available water stock.

To mitigate the situation, civic officials clarified that the Maharashtra government has approved the use of ‘Contingency Reserves,’ providing Mumbai with additional water resources. The civic authorities assured that there are no immediate plans for water cuts, and the current supply is sufficient to meet the city's needs for the next 87 days.

"We are closely monitoring the water stock available in the lakes supplying Mumbai. We will also coordinate with the Meteorological Department regarding the onset of the monsoon and will take further decisions accordingly," said a senior civic official.

While the normal onset of the monsoon is June 11, recent patterns show delayed arrivals, with heavy rainfall often beginning only by mid-July. According to civic estimates, 1% of the water stock typically lasts for about three days.

However, over the past 15 days, water reserves meant for 24 days have been depleted—prompting concerns over accelerated usage due to rising temperatures. The Maharashtra government has permitted the BMC to draw from a reserve stock of 1.81 lakh million litres. Of the 3,950 million litres of water supplied daily by the BMC, a 34% is lost due to pipeline leakages and water theft.

Total water stock in seven lakes on May 5.

Lakes.....current level ....overflow level (all figures in metres)

Upper Vaitarna..597.25.....603.51

Modak Sagar....150.29....163.15

Tansa...121.23......128.63

Middle Vaitarna....254.61.....285

Bhatsa...116.25.....142.07

Vehar...76.35...80.12

Tulsi...134.62.......139.17

year....current water stock (figures in million litres)

2025 - 328042

2024 - 253891

2023 - 333022