Mumbai’s Lakes See Significant Boost as Monsoon Showers Lift Water Stock to Over 25%

Mumbai: In a welcome sign for the city’s water security, the cumulative water stock in Mumbai’s reservoirs has risen to 25.18% of total capacity as of Friday morning, June 20, 2025, according to the latest update from the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department at Bhandup Complex. The stock now stands at 3,64,233 million litres out of the total annual requirement of 14.47 lakh million litres — a substantial increase that reflects the positive impact of sustained monsoon activity over the past week.

The surge in reservoir levels has brought cautious optimism to civic authorities, residents, and planners alike. The water gains come just as Mumbai begins navigating the early phase of the monsoon season, a critical period that typically replenishes the city’s drinking water supply for the entire year.

Among the six major lakes that supply water to Mumbai, Modak Sagar and Tansa made the most notable contributions. Modak Sagar, receiving 126 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, recorded a 1.87-meter rise in water levels, adding 57,337 million litres to the usable stock. Tansa followed with 143 mm rainfall and a 1.22-meter rise, increasing its storage to 40,693 million litres.

Middle Vaitarna, however, saw the sharpest increase, with an 8.58-meter jump in water level driven by 121 mm of rainfall, contributing an additional 42,680 million litres. Upper Vaitarna also saw healthy gains, receiving 84 mm rainfall and rising by 1.40 meters, pushing its current stock to 61,028 million litres.

Smaller reservoirs too played their part. Tulsi Lake now holds 3,007 million litres after recording 64 mm of rainfall, while Vihar Lake added 7,308 million litres following 45 mm of rain. The Bhandup Complex, which houses the city’s key filtration systems, recorded 41 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, bringing its seasonal total to 343 mm so far.

Civic officials expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the current figures are encouraging, more than 75% of the city’s annual water requirement is yet to be met. The city administration continues to monitor the situation closely, especially with IMD forecasts predicting consistent rainfall over the next two weeks.