Mumbai lake levels rise to 9.41 per cent as heavy rain boosts water storage

Mumbai lake levels stands at 9.41 per cent (File pic)

Mumbai's seven major lakes, after heavy spells of rain across the city and surrounding areas since the last few days, are now starting to increase significantly. Seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai now hold 9.41 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Saturday, July 4, according to the daily water stock report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The combined useful live storage across all reservoirs has now been increased to 1,36,137 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 50.75 per cent storage, while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 8.59 per cent. Despite a year-on-year improvement, storage levels remain below normal as the monsoon has yet to set in.

The seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai:

• Bhatsa
• Upper Vaitarna
• Middle Vaitarna
• Tansa
• Modak Sagar
• Vihar
• Tulsi

Among the reservoirs, the Upper Vaitarna has reached 595.28 metres, below the lowest drawdown level (LDL) of 595.44 metres. As a result, its useful storage is recorded as nil.

The Bhatsa dam now also shows better storage at 108.65, or 6.75 per cent.

The Middle Vaitarna now stands at 243.54 metres with 13.45 per cent capacity. Water release from the reservoir has been ongoing since November 30, 2025, with the WSCPO gate opened on January 7, 2026. Tansa Lake stands at 119.54 metres, holding 4.99 per cent.

Collectively, the Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Tansa group stands at 8.83 per cent of useful live storage, up by 0.62 per cent from Friday.

Lake levels are likely to increase further in the coming days

Most lake catchment areas recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, while more spells of heavy rain are likely to come. While Mumbai faced a water crisis situation in June, the continuous spell of rain will surely improve the condition.

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai as heavy showers continue

Amid the continuous spell of intense rain across Mumbai and its surrounding areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding areas for Saturday and Sunday.

The weather forecasting agency, while issuing the warning, highlighted heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated locations.

IMD has also forecast occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, increasing the risk of tree falls, waterlogging, and traffic disruptions.