Mumbai Rains: Water Stock In 7 Lakes Rises To 67.88% As Middle Vaitarna Nears Full Capacity; Dam Gates Opened (VIDEO)

Mumbai: Heavy rainfall across the catchment areas of Mumbai’s seven lakes has boosted the city's water reserves, raising the total stock to 9.84 lakh million litres (ML), approximately 67.88% of the collective storage capacity. The Middle Vaitarna lake, a crucial source in the city’s water supply system, has reached 90% of its full capacity.

As a precautionary measure, three dam gates were opened on Monday to release excess water into the Modak Sagar lake. At present, the total water stock is sufficient to meet the city’s water needs for the next 248 days.

This year’s early and intense monsoon has rapidly increased Mumbai’s water stock, outpacing the usual trend seen in previous years. Typically, the city’s lakes begin to fill up toward the end of July, but the 2025 monsoon has led to a much earlier replenishment of major lakes.

“This year, key lakes such as Modak Sagar (Lower Vaitarna) and Middle Vaitarna have recorded some of the fastest filling levels in recent years, offering early relief from potential water shortages for Mumbaikars,” said a civic official.

As of July 7, the water levels in seven lakes stand as Modak Sagar (Lower Vaitarna)- 87%, Upper Vaitarna - 73%, Tansa: - 72.90%, Bhatsa - 57.57%, Vehar - 47%, and Tulsi - 45%.

The Middle Vaitarna lake’s full storage level is 285 meters, and the current water level has reached 282.13 meters. As a precautionary measure, gates no. 1, 3, and 5 were partially opened on Monday afternoon. Water is currently being released through these gates at a flow rate of 3,000 cusecs, officials confirmed.

During this period last year, the water stock was just 2.10 lakh ML, or 14.52% of capacity in 2024, and 2.71 lakh ML (18.76%) in 2023. While the improved levels have eased immediate concerns over water availability, civic officials caution that continued rainfall is essential.

To ensure an uninterrupted water supply throughout the year, the city’s lakes need to collectively reach a storage capacity of 14.47 lakh ML by October 1.

Total water stock in seven lakes on July 07...

Lakes.....current level ....overflow level (all figures in metres)

Upper Vaitarna..601.62.....603.51

Modak Sagar....161.09...163.15

Tansa...126.49......128.63

Middle Vaitarna....280.81...285

Bhatsa...129.70.....142.07

Vehar...77.18...80.12

Tulsi...135.44.......139.17

news