Water Stock In Mumbai Lakes Nearly Doubles In A Day; Rises To Whopping 25.17%

Water levels in Mumbai’s seven key lakes have nearly doubled in a single day on Friday after intense rainfall in the city. The usable water stock rose to 25.17% of the total capacity of 14,47,363 million litres, up from 13.18% the previous day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data showed.

These seven key lakes, located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts, are: Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi. They are a very important source of water for Mumbai and nearby areas and highly depend on rainwater for their replenishment. The latest increase in water levels comes as the city welcomed intense downpours brought by the southwest monsoon.

Collectively, the seven lakes now hold 25.17% usable water of their total capacity, amounting to 3,64,233 million litres. All seven lakes recorded a surge in their water levels in the past 24 hours, with the highest level recorded in Middle Vaitarna lake.

The data showed that in the past 24 hours, Tansa lake recorded the highest amount of rainfall at 143 mm, followed by Bhatsa at 141 mm. Other lakes also received significant rain during this period, contributing to the surge in water levels.

Notably, on the same day last year, the combined water stock in Mumbai’s seven lakes stood at just 77,052 million litres, or 5.32% of their total usable capacity. This year, the early arrival of the southwest monsoon has significantly boosted the water levels. While the monsoon typically reaches Mumbai around June 11, it arrived nearly two weeks early this year. 

With more rainfall predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) this week, the levels of these lakes are expected to surge further.

The weather agency has warned about isolated heavy rainfall in Goa, Konkan and central Maharashtra regions till June 25. The weather agency had issued an orange alert for Mumbai on Thursday in view of the anticipated very heavy rainfall. The IMD also predicted that the showers will continue throughout the week.

Till Saturday, the IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rain for Mumbai. The weather forecaster on Friday issued a yellow alert for the city for the next two days.

Check the detail district-level five-day weather forecast below.