Nashik to impose water cuts every Saturday from June 20 amid deficient rainfall

On average, around 600 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water is lifted from the Gangapur dam group and Mukne dam daily to supply Nashik city. Representational pic

Citizens in Nashik will have to brace for water cuts beginning Saturday, June 20, amid deficient rainfall, with the civic body prioritising drinking water supply, officials told news agency PTI.

Water cuts will be implemented every Saturday in June and July due to a delay in the arrival of the southwest monsoon, which has raised concerns over water stock in dams. Additionally, the city will not receive water supply after every two days in August.

On average, around 600 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water is lifted from the Gangapur dam group and Mukne dam daily to supply Nashik city. The water is then filtered at seven water treatment plants and distributed through 134 water tanks and a 2,502-km-long pipeline network.

Mumbai lake level stands at 10.01 per cent amid water crisis

Mumbai's seven major lakes are currently holding 10.01 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Wednesday, June 17, according to the daily water stock report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The combined useful live storage across all reservoirs stands at 1,44,918 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 9.78 per cent storage, while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 5.38 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 595.27 metres, below the lowest drawdown level (LDL) of 595.98 metres. As a result, its useful storage is recorded as nil.

The Bhatsa dam, however, shows relatively better storage at 66,627 ML, or 9.29 per cent, compared to 6.09 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

The Middle Vaitarna is currently at 119.50 metres with 10.34 per cent. 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 120.01 metres, holding 12,647 ML, or 8.72 per cent.

Collectively, the Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Tansa group stands at 13.03 per cent of useful live storage.

(With PTI inputs)