Representational image of rain on Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai
| Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini
After a week of relentless rainfall, the seven primary lakes supplying water to Mumbai are now nearing full capacity, according to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at 6 a.m. today.
As per the latest figures, the combined water stock in these reservoirs stands at 95.17%, higher than the corresponding levels in the past two years — 94.49% in 2024 and 83.72% in 2023. Among the seven lakes, Vihar Lake, Tulsi Lake and Modak Sagar Lake have already reached 100% capacity.
The BMC has deployed disaster response teams, pumps, and emergency equipment across Mumbai and its suburbs to manage the situation.
For assistance, citizens can call the BMC Emergency Control Room helpline — 1916.
Likely reduction in rain intensity
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has downgraded its rainfall warning for Mumbai from an orange alert on August 20 to a yellow alert on August 21, indicating a likely reduction in rain intensity across the city and suburbs.
Mumbai rains LIVE updates – August 21, 2025
According to the IMD, light to moderate rain is expected in most parts of Mumbai over the next few days, but isolated heavy to very heavy showers may persist over north Konkan, including the city, till August 23.
Rainfall activity over Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and adjoining Gujarat is likely to ease gradually, with no official forecast yet suggesting a significant surge after August 25.
On August 21, Mumbai will experience a high tide at 11:01 p.m., reaching 4.27 meters, followed by a low tide at 5:04 p.m. at 1.59 meters. Another high tide is expected at 10:57 p.m., measuring 3.74 meters. The next low tide will occur at 5 a.m. on August 22, with water levels dropping to 0.67 meters.
Authorities have advised residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to remain vigilant during high-tide hours, as the risk of waterlogging and flooding increases significantly.
Amid rising concerns over water safety, the BMC clarified that claims circulating on social media about untreated water being supplied due to a purification plant breakdown are false and baseless.
In its statement, the civic body said, “The water supply system is functioning normally, and all water supplied is clean, disinfected, and fully treated. Citizens are urged not to believe or spread unverified information.”
Residents are advised to rely only on official BMC updates and avoid forwarding rumours on social platforms, the notification said.
Published – August 21, 2025 11:52 am IST
