Mumbai's water supply is under growing pressure as the city's seven reservoirs continue to record critically low storage levels despite the arrival of the southwest monsoon. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the combined water stock in the lakes stood at just 7.3% of their total capacity on Friday, raising concerns over water availability in the coming weeks.
The seven reservoirs, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Tansa, Tulsi, Modak Sagar and Vihar, are the primary source of drinking water for Mumbai and depend almost entirely on monsoon rainfall for replenishment.
The latest BMC data showed that the reservoirs together held 1,05,755 million litres of water against their full storage capacity. During the same period last year, the combined storage had crossed 37%, highlighting the sharp decline this year.
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Reservoirs continue to struggle
Among the seven lakes, Upper Vaitarna remained completely dry. Tansa held only 0.77% of its storage capacity, while Bhatsa was close to 6%. Middle Vaitarna contained 11.31% of its total storage capacity of 1,93,530 million litres.
Modak Sagar recorded 18.87% storage, Tulsi stood at 21%, and Vihar had the highest water level at 45.13%.
Rainfall over the catchment areas also remained limited in the last 24 hours. Most reservoirs received between 2 mm and 17 mm of rain, while Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Bhatsa recorded no rainfall at all.
Water restrictions already in place
With reservoir levels continuing to shrink, the BMC has tightened water conservation measures across the city.
A 10% water cut was introduced in May. From mid-June, restrictions were expanded, with commercial users facing a 20% reduction in water supply. The civic body has also stopped supplying potable water to construction sites, swimming pools and clubs.
Reportedly, the BMC is also considering restrictions on the use of groundwater sources, including wells and borewells, to cope with the ongoing shortage.
Rain forecast offers limited relief
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate rainfall across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Nashik through June 28.
A yellow alert has been issued for Mumbai and Thane, warning of "thunderstorms accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall & gusty winds (40-50kmph) at isolated places".
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Nashik is expected to experience similar weather on Saturday before rainfall eases, while Palghar is likely to receive heavier showers on Sunday. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue in the region until June 30.
Despite the onset of the monsoon, officials remain concerned that rainfall could stay below normal this season due to El Niño conditions, potentially affecting reservoir levels, water availability and the agricultural sector.
FAQs:
Why is Mumbai facing a water crisis despite the arrival of the monsoon?
Weak monsoon rainfall has failed to sufficiently replenish Mumbai's seven reservoirs, leaving total storage at just 7.3% of capacity.
Has the BMC imposed water cuts in Mumbai due to low reservoir levels?
Yes, the BMC has enforced water cuts, increased restrictions for commercial users, and halted potable water supply to construction sites, swimming pools and clubs.
