Improved Monsoon in June Bolsters Mumbai's Water Reservoirs, Reaching 39.5% Capacity Across 7 Lakes
Mumbai's H2O Situation: Catchment Rains Pump Up The City's Water Reservoirs
Mumbai is feeling a splash of relief as its water stock has been steadily improving, thanks to a string of rainfall incidents in the lake catchment areas. The Hydraulic Engineer's Department report, issued from the Bhandup Complex at 6:00 am on June 29, 2025, paints a promising picture. The total water storage across Mumbai's critical lakes now stands at 571,670 million liters, accounting for around 39.5% of the city's total annual water demand requirements.
Let's delve deeper into the water levels of each lake. Over the last 24 hours, Middle Vaitarna has topped the list with the most significant increase, rising by 0.64 meters. It recorded a daily rainfall of 10 mm, pushing its seasonal total to a whopping 903 mm — the highest across all lakes. Another significant reservoir, Upper Vaitarna, also witnessed a 0.12-meter rise, following 32 mm of rainfall in a single day, making its seasonal rainfall reach 468 mm. Bhatsa Lake, a vital contributor to Mumbai's water supply, swelled by 0.40 meters and registered 17 mm of rainfall, leaving it brimming with 238,959 million liters in live storage.
While lakes like Modak Sagar, Tansa, and Tulsi saw moderate rainfall ranging from 18 to 58 mm, lakes such as Vehar remained dry on June 29. However, the overall cumulative rainfall in these regions appears strong. For example, Tulsi's total seasonal rainfall has reached 760 mm, while Tansa and Modak Sagar stand at 291 mm and 844 mm respectively.
Importantly, Upper Vaitarna held its water back from June 9 to aid conservation efforts. As for Middle Vaitarna, its gates remain closed for the same purpose. This strategic water management is crucial as Mumbai gears up for the anticipated heavier and more widespread monsoon activity. The Bhandup Complex itself recorded 8 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, making its seasonal total 472 mm.
Officials are cautiously optimistic. Although the water stock is significantly better than the previous year's status, where it stood at a meager 78,579 million liters, the BMC is urging everyone to keep conserving water. The situation is under close monitoring, and authorities are on standby to adjust water management practices if the monsoon patterns take an unfavorable turn in the coming weeks.
The current monsoon season's initial phase is bringing some respite, but sustained rainfall in July will have a significant impact on whether Mumbai averts water cuts and sails smoothly through the rest of the year.
[1] Monsoon rains bring some relief to Mumbai: Report[2] Indian Express: Mumbai's water stock sees steady improvement following consistent rainfall[3] Hydraulic Engineer's Department report, issued from the Bhandup Complex[4] Times of India: Mumbai's water supply improves, but rains still a worry for civic officials
- The news in India today is that Mumbai's water supply has improved significantly due to consistent rainfall, as reported by the Hydraulic Engineer's Department at the Bhandup Complex.
- A recent environmental-science news report highlighted that the rise in Mumbai's water levels, particularly in lakes like Middle Vaitarna and Bhatsa, is a promising sign for the city's water needs, despite Modak Sagar, Tansa, and Tulsi remaining moderate.
- As the monsoon season progresses in India, the business community is keenly watching the weather updates for Mumbai, as the city's water stock is now at 571,670 million liters, but a sustained rainfall in July will determine whether water cuts will be averted, as stated in the Times of India.
