New Delhi: Mumbai is preparing for a possible 10 per cent reduction in water supply from May 1 as concerns over a weak monsoon grow due to El Niño. The
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has sent a proposal to the Municipal Commissioner for approval.
Officials say the move is precautionary as water levels in the city’s reservoirs continue to fall. The decision comes at a time when rising temperatures are increasing evaporation and reducing available stock.
Reservoir levels under pressure
Mumbai depends on seven lakes for its water supply. As of now, the total water stock in these reservoirs stands at 33.60 per cent. Authorities estimate that the current supply may last only until July 7 if no corrective steps are taken.
Among the reservoirs, Bhatsa holds the highest volume at 235,439 million litres. Middle Vaitarna has 69,106 million litres, while Upper Vaitarna stands at 77,045 million litres. Tansa has 40,817 million litres and Modak Sagar holds 45,340 million litres. Vihar and Tulsi have 15,353 million litres and 3,274 million litres respectively.
Supply versus demand
Mumbai receives around 4,100 million litres of water every day from these sources, including Bhatsa, Tansa, Modak Sagar and Vaitarna. The city’s annual water requirement is about 1.447 million million litres.
Officials say that without rationing, the existing reserves may not be enough to meet demand until the monsoon arrives.
Trends over past years
Water levels this year are higher than in the past two years, but still not sufficient for comfort. Reservoir levels stood at 33.60 per cent in 2026, compared to 30.24 per cent in 2025 and 24.54 per cent in 2024.
Plan to stretch supply
The state government has asked authorities to plan water management until August instead of July this year. Officials believe that starting a water cut from May 1 can help maintain steady supply during peak summer.
They say early action will reduce the risk of a severe shortage if the monsoon is delayed or weak.
