Mumbai: Water cut threat is back... for the rest of the year!

The rainfall in September is key to water cuts in Mumbai. Only 30 per cent of the average rainfall was recorded in August. Due to this, there has been no expected increase in water stock in the seven lakes. If the water stock is not 100 per cent by the end of September, there is a possibility BMC will impose a water cut through the year.

On average there is rainfall of 400 mm to 500 mm in the lakes area in August. This year, in August just 100 mm to 150 mm of rain has been recorded, BMC's Hydraulic Engineer Purushottam Malvade told the media on an official visit to the lakes. Till Saturday morning, there was 90 per cent stock in the lakes. "If by October 1, 100 per cent stock accumulates, the water supply will be smooth till June 15. If not, we will need to think about water cuts. We are hoping for a good wet spell as per the forecast," Malvade added.

According to BMC data, currently there is 13.12 lakh million litres water stock in the lakes, which is 90.65 per cent of the total capacity. Last year on the same day the water stock was 14.11 lakh mn lts which is 97.51 per cent. The total capacity of all 7 lakes is 14.47 lakh mn lts.

"The daily water supply in Mumbai is around 3,900 mn lts. Every month the city utilises 10 per cent of the water stock. We will take a review of the water stock in mid-September and at the end of the month. Then we will get the complete idea about the water situation," Malvade added.