The water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation`s (BMC) Mumbai rains data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 98.82 per cent.
As per the BMC`s Mumbai rains on Thursday (October 2), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 14,30,251 million litres, which amounts to 98.82 per cent of their total capacity.
The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vehar, and Tulsi lakes.
Among the major reservoirs, Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi have reached 100 per cent of their useful storage. Upper Vaitarna is nearly full, storing 226,565 ML or 99.79 per cent of its total. Tansa currently holds 142,769 ML (98.41 per cent), while Middle Vaitarna has seen a minor dip, storing 192,106 ML or 99.43 per cent of its capacity. The largest contributor, Bhatsa Lake, which plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s water supply, is at 98.20 per cent, holding 704,142 ML.
Rainfall activity across the catchment areas has varied over the last 24 hours. Tulsi Lake received the highest rainfall at 16.00 mm, followed by Vihar with 13.00 mm, and Modak Sagar with 6.00 mm. Tansa saw 5.00 mm, while Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa recorded 3.00 mm each. Middle Vaitarna did not receive any rainfall during this period.
Several lakes reached full capacity and began overflowing earlier in the season. Modak Sagar overflowed on July 9, followed by Tansa on July 23, Tulsi on August 16, and Vihar on August 18.
In addition, the Upper Vaitarna dam began releasing water from August 21, while gates at Middle Vaitarna were opened on August 18. The Bhatsa dam is also currently releasing water.
A look at the seasonal rainfall across the lake catchments reveals that Tulsi received the highest cumulative rainfall at 4462.00 mm, followed closely by Middle Vaitarna with 4114.00 mm, and Modak Sagar with 4071.00 mm. Other lakes recorded significant rainfall as well: Tansa at 3523.00 mm, Bhatsa at 3182.00 mm, and Upper Vaitarna with 2560.00 mm.
Meanwhile, the Bhandup Complex, where Mumbai’s water is processed and treated, received 10.00 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, bringing its total seasonal rainfall to 3067.00 mm.
