The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday announced a 10 per cent water cut across the city starting May 15, 2026. BMC, while issuing the advisory, cited low water levels in lakes and the possibility of a weak monsoon this year.
The decision has been taken to ensure the existing water stock in Mumbai`s lakes will suffice till August 17, 2026. Without imposing the water cut, the existing water stock will suffice till July 6, 2026.
Mumbai currently has 28 per cent of water storage across lakes
At present, Mumbai’s seven lakes collectively hold about 28 per cent of their total storage capacity of 14,47,363 million litres (ML). The city currently receives a daily water supply ranging between 3,950 and 4,100 ML.
Bhide said, “Since the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated weak Southwest monsoon rainfall this year, BMC has decided to prepare for the usage of the existing water stock till August 17. We can meet this requirement only with a 10 per cent water cut and utilisation of carryover stock.”
Additionally, the civic body has approached the state’s Urban Development Department, seeking an additional 237 million cubic metres (mcm) of water from the Vaitarna and Bhatsa reservoirs to bridge the shortfall.
Furthermore, the BMC requested the Urban Development Department for 237 mcm of water from Vaitarna and Bhatsa.
With water levels in the seven lakes that supply drinking water to Mumbai dropping to 28.79 per cent as of Monday morning, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to take a call on implementing a water cut ranging from five to 10 per cent starting May 1 to ensure the existing water stock meets the city’s demands till August.
A senior civic official earlier told mid-day, “If the lakes do not fill up, we will need to sustain the existing stock till the end of August. If lakes aren’t filled to the brim this monsoon season, we will face a water shortage until the rainy season next year. So, a decision has to be taken regarding the judicious use of the existing stock.”
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