February has brought intense heat, making it increasingly difficult for people to step outdoors. The coming days are expected to be even more challenging. However, Mumbaikars can find some relief as the city's water reserves remain stable. Currently, Mumbai's overall water stock stands at over 50 percent—5 percent higher than the same period last year.
In 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had to impose a 10 percent water cut in June due to low water levels. This year, the situation appears more favorable.
As of now, the seven lakes supplying water to the city—Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi—collectively hold 739,830 million liters, which is 51.12 percent of their total capacity of 1,447,363 million liters. At the same time last year, Mumbai’s water stock stood at 653,006 million liters (45.12%).
Currently, Mumbai receives 3,950 million liters per day (MLD) from these lakes, while the actual demand is around 4,500 MLD.
To address the growing water needs, the BMC is exploring long-term solutions, including a desalination project at Manori and the construction of the Gargai dam in the Tansa sanctuary. However, these initiatives will take time to materialize. The desalination project is expected to add 200 MLD to the water supply within three years, with the potential to expand to 400 MLD. Meanwhile, the Gargai dam could contribute an additional 440 MLD once completed.
Current Water Levels in Mumbai’s Lakes
- Upper Vaitarna: 160,448 MLD
- Modak Sagar: 25,669 MLD
- Tansa: 62,887 MLD
- Middle Vaitarna: 98,670 MLD
- Bhatsa: 371,290 MLD
- Vihar: 16,351 MLD
- Tulsi: 4,515 MLD