03 July,2026 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai lake levels now stands at 8.93 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 gradually starting to increase. Seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai now hold 8.93 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Friday, July 3, 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 1,29,309 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 46.91 per cent storage, while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 8.24 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:
Among the reservoirs, the Upper Vaitarna has reached 595.01 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 108.60, or 6.65 per cent.
The Middle Vaitarna now stands at 242.74 metres with 12.86 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.
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.
Mumbai on Friday continues to experience intense spells of rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday has also issued an orange alert for the next few hours for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. The weather forecasting agency said that heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs is expected on Friday.
As per IMD, heavy spells of rain will be accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, prompting authorities to issue an alert for residents to remain cautious.
