Mumbai may face a reduction in water supply as reservoir levels continue to decline amid rising temperatures. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering a 10% water cut from May 1 as a precautionary step, NDTV reported.
According to reports, a proposal for reducing water supply has been submitted to the municipal commissioner for approval. The seven lakes that supply water to the city currently hold only 33.6% of their total capacity.
The decline in water levels has been linked to faster evaporation as summer conditions intensify in western India. Officials have indicated that the available reserves are expected to last until July, and the proposed water cut is aimed at managing supply during this period.
This development comes shortly after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast below-normal monsoon rainfall for 2026. In its long-range forecast for the southwest monsoon season, IMD stated that rainfall across the country is likely to be around 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a margin of error of plus-minus 5%.
On sea surface temperature conditions, IMD noted that weak La Nina-like conditions are transitioning to ENSO-neutral conditions in the equatorial Pacific region.
El Nino and La Nina are phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which involves changes in sea surface temperatures and wind patterns in the tropical Pacific Ocean and influences global weather.
El Nino is associated with weaker trade winds and warmer ocean waters, while La Nina is linked to stronger winds and cooler waters.
The formation of El Nino conditions in the Pacific Ocean is expected to affect the monsoon, and meteorological assessments have already indicated the possibility of reduced rainfall.
At present, Mumbai receives about 4,100 million litres of water daily from seven lakes, including Modak Sagar, Tansa Lake, Bhatsa Lake and Vaitarna Lake.
The total annual requirement is estimated at 14.47 million litres. Authorities have emphasised the need for careful water management until August this year, considering the possibility of a delayed monsoon.
As of April 15, 2026, the water stock in the lakes is as follows: Bhatsa holds 2,35,439 million litres, which is the highest among the reservoirs.
Middle Vaitarna has 69,106 million litres, Upper Vaitarna has 77,045 million litres, Tansa holds 40,817 million litres, Modak Sagar has 45,340 million litres, Vihar has 15,353 million litres, and Tulsi has 3,274 million litres.
As per state government instructions, emphasis has been laid on water planning by August instead of July this year. Municipal administration says regular water supply can be maintained in Mumbai only if cuts are implemented from May 1.
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