Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Mumbai Lakes Near Full as BMC Reviews Potential Water Cut
Mumbai gets most of its water from seven lakes.
These lakes are currently almost completely full, holding about 98 per cent of their capacity.
However, the city has received little rain recently.
Officials worry that hotter weather could make more water evaporate.
They think the stored water may last only until May.
The state government has asked officials to plan for water through August.
The city may review a 10 per cent water cut next month.
The cut will not be withdrawn unless the stock reaches 14.47 lakh million litres on October 1.
Mumbai’s seven water-supplying lakes are 98 per cent full as of September 22, 2026.
Their combined stock is 14.19 lakh million litres against total reservoir capacity.
Officials fear the supply may last only until May, while the state wants planning through August.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will decide next month whether to impose a 10 per cent water cut.
Higher temperatures linked to El Niño could increase evaporation losses after the dry August and September.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, state government authorities and Mumbai residents are involved.
- What
- Mumbai’s seven reservoirs are 98 per cent full, while officials assess whether a 10 per cent water cut is needed.
- When
- The stock update was reported on September 22, 2026; the water-cut decision is expected next month.
- Where
- The seven lakes supplying Mumbai.
- Why
- Recent rainfall has been limited, and officials are concerned about delayed rains, evaporation and ensuring supplies last through the summer or August.
Reservoir Levels Provide Reassurance
Officials Urge Caution
Current water availability
Reservoir Levels Provide Reassurance
The seven lakes are 98 per cent full, and current stock is comparable with levels recorded during the previous two years.
Officials Urge Caution
Despite the high level, officials say the stock may last only until May because recent rainfall has been limited.
How long to plan supplies
Reservoir Levels Provide Reassurance
Rainfall often continues until October 15 and monsoon withdrawal can be delayed, potentially adding to the city’s reserves.
Officials Urge Caution
The state government has directed authorities to plan for supplies through August, even if the next monsoon is delayed.
Water-cut decision
Reservoir Levels Provide Reassurance
The near-full reservoirs could support continued assessment before imposing or extending restrictions.
Officials Urge Caution
Officials said the water cut cannot be withdrawn until the stock reaches 14.47 lakh million litres on October 1, and a decision on a 10 per cent cut is due next month.
- Reservoir status
- Seven lakes are 98 per cent full.
- Current stock
- 14.19 lakh million litres as of September 22, 2026.
- Potential water cut
- A 10 per cent cut will be reviewed next month.
- Planning horizon
- Officials fear supplies may last until May, while the state government wants planning through August.
- Stock threshold
- Officials said the cut cannot be withdrawn until stock reaches 14.47 lakh million litres on October 1.
- Weather concern
- Possible higher temperatures linked to El Niño could increase evaporation losses in October and November.
- Recent rainfall
- August and September have been relatively dry, with no significant showers forecast for the reported week.