Mumbai’s drinking water reservoirs have witnessed a substantial rise in water levels following sustained heavy rainfall across the city’s catchment areas. According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on August 26, the combined storage across the seven reservoirs supplying the metropolis now stands at 96.16 percent, signalling a robust water position for both domestic and industrial consumption in the months ahead.
Officials noted that the collective water stock in Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes totals 1,391,854 million litres, reflecting a near-full capacity scenario. Among the larger reservoirs, Upper Vaitarna is filled to 95.97 percent at 603.22 metres, while Modak Sagar has reached full capacity at 100 percent with a water level of 163.16 metres. Tansa Lake is at 99.18 percent, and Middle Vaitarna at 98.22 percent, highlighting consistent replenishment across the city’s primary water sources. Smaller reservoirs also reported high levels, with Bhatsa at 140.55 metres, Vihar at 80.23 metres, and Tulsi Lake at 139.19 metres. Recent rainfall over the last 24 hours contributed further to reservoir inflows, with Middle Vaitarna receiving 89 mm, Bhatsa 85 mm, Modak Sagar 73 mm, Upper Vaitarna 59 mm, Tansa 48 mm, Tulsi 40 mm, and Vihar 31 mm. Seasonal cumulative rainfall across the city’s catchment areas has now reached 2,375 mm.
In terms of operational management, authorities have implemented controlled releases from Bhatsa and Middle Vaitarna, while Modak Sagar, Tansa, Tulsi, and Vihar have already begun overflowing between July and August. Upper Vaitarna began regulated discharges on August 21 to maintain optimal levels, ensuring a balance between storage capacity and flood management. Meteorological forecasts indicate continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the city and suburbs, with occasional gusty winds expected, prompting authorities to advise residents and commuters to exercise caution. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain around 28 and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively, over the next two days. High tide levels are also expected to reach up to 4.28 metres, further underscoring the need for vigilance in coastal areas.
Experts emphasised that the near-capacity reservoir levels are a positive sign for Mumbai’s water security, ensuring that households and industries can rely on a stable supply in the coming months. Controlled releases, careful monitoring, and adherence to urban water management protocols have been pivotal in maintaining both water availability and flood preparedness. As the monsoon progresses, authorities continue to balance urban water sustainability with climate resilience, highlighting the importance of integrated reservoir management in densely populated cities like Mumbai.
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