Mumbai: As the city suffers from below-average rainfall this year, water levels are threatening the survival of even more thriving 'maximum city'. Residents fear frequent water and electricity cuts along with expectation for further delay in the infrastructure development around the city. This year, the rainfall has been below the average levels seen in the August-June-July months, a trifecta known to have the highest amounts of rainfall in the city as well as the state of Maharashtra.
The data provided by the official handle of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), since late July, water stocks have been dangling around 89% recording 89.09% on August 3, then reaching 89.27% then dropping down to 89.02% on August 10, while the India Meteorological Department advised light-moderate rains in the city. The highest water level recorded this month is on August 14, summing up to 89.38%.
Mumbai has been facing heavy drop in rainwater levels compared to past. Mumbai’s water stock, as of August 14, 2025, reached 89.38%, showing improvement, but it is still below some previous years. Reservoir levels are mixed; Modak Sagar and Tansa are nearly full, while Bhatsa, a major contributor, is in the mid-80s. Compared to the last five years, 2025's stock is better than 2021 and 2023 but lower than 2020 and significantly less than 2022’s peaks.
Water Storage In Past 5 Years
How 2025 stacks up to the past five yearsA mid-August look back shows 2025 is healthy but not exceptional for Mumbai’s reservoirs. In mid-August 2025, Mumbai's reservoirs are at 89.38%, marking a healthy but not exceptional year compared to previous years, especially 2022's peak at 96.91%.
Check Out Water Level Percentage Of Past 5 Years:
2020: 92.38%
2021: 86.86%
2022: 96.91%
2023: 83.01%
2024: 80.45% but in early August, rising to 94.87% by late August (Aug 27)
2025: 89.38%
In general, both Santacruz and Colaba show significant differences in rainfall, illustrating the influence of the monsoon on these areas. Nonetheless, the precise amounts of rainfall in Colaba are not provided, hindering thorough comparisons with typical rainfall norms.
Residents are anxious about potential water shut-offs and supply problems due to the low water levels in the city. While the water levels suffice for the city’s needs, worries cannot be ignored due to closeness, particularly in a rapidly expanding city like Mumbai where numerous mega projects and developments are occurring simultaneously.
