Mumbai is currently facing an impending water crisis as the available water stock is projected to last just over 45 days, as per data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Although the water stock currently stands at slightly above 15 percent, the BMC has not yet planned any water cuts for the month of June.
According to the BMC's data, Mumbai's water stock is approximately 2.5 lakh million litres, which accounts for 15.6 percent of its capacity. Comparatively, on June 15 last year, the water stock stood at 12.24 percent, and in 2021 it was 12.75 percent.
Each percentage point represents roughly three days' worth of water supply, as explained by P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (Projects).
The city relies on seven primary lakes located in the outskirts and neighboring districts of Thane, Bhiwandi, and Nashik as its main sources of water. These lakes get replenished during the monsoon season, and the water is then transported to Mumbai and its suburbs through pipelines and tunnels.
However, the water levels in all seven lakes have dropped below seven percent, as recorded on June 8. Consequently, the BMC has tapped into its reserve stock to ensure a continuous water supply. The reserve stock consists of an additional quantity of water stored within dams for emergencies or situations of insufficient rainfall. In March, the BMC had sought permission from the irrigation department to access 1.5 lakh million litres of water from the reserves.
"At present, Mumbai's water stock is slightly above 15 percent, providing sufficient storage for the next month. We expect rainfall to arrive by the end of June, following which we will reassess the situation and decide whether water cuts need to be implemented in the city," stated Velrasu during a press briefing on Thursday.
Last year, water cuts were enforced in order to prevent the city from running out of water. A 10 percent cut was implemented from June to July as the water stocks had plummeted below 10 percent.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Mumbai and its surrounding regions may experience rainfall starting from June 18 to June 21, as the Southwest Monsoon is set to arrive. The delay in the monsoon's arrival was attributed to Cyclone Biparjoy, which caused a diversion of moisture.
As Mumbai faces a challenging water situation, the BMC and residents are hopeful that the upcoming monsoon rains will replenish the city's water resources and alleviate the looming crisis.