Something genuinely positive coming out of Mumbai this monsoon season . As of July 11,2026,the city's water reservoirs have hit 49.83% capacity with 7,21,278 million litres of useful water now available . And honestly,after looking at where things stood not long ago,this number feels like real relief.
Because just to put it in perspective — same period in 2024 reservoirs were sitting at only 22.26% which is 3,22,143 ML . That was concerning situation for city of Mumbai's size . Now being close to 50% by second week of July itself is genuinely encouraging sign.
Data has been reported by Hydraulic Engineer's Department at Master Control Centre in Bhandup,and one of the highlights clearly is Vihar and Tulsi lakes both overflowing already.
Vihar Lake started overflowing on July 7 at 9 PM . Tulsi Lake followed same evening at 11:43 PM . Right now Vihar is sitting at full capacity of 27,698 ML and Tulsi at full capacity with 8,046 ML . When lakes start overflowing this early in monsoon season,that is not small thing at all.
Few key numbers worth paying attention to right now:
- Modak Sagar reached 82.60% capacity holding 1,06,492 ML after receiving 1,317 mm of rainfall.
- Tansa Lake filled up to 78.57% holding 1,13,989 ML after 1,367 mm rainfall.
- Upper Vaitarna is only at 28% with 63,569 ML despite water level sitting at 598.06 metres.
Combined storage from Upper Vaitarna,Middle Vaitarna and Tansa lakes together stands at 3,68,250 ML which represents 53.02% storage level . Middle Vaitarna WSCPO gate was closed on July 6 and release from Upper Vaitarna was also halted earlier same day . These are operational decisions that affect how water gets distributed across city's supply network.
One thing that stands out a bit oddly — Bhandup Complex reported zero rainfall in last 24 hours while seasonal total there has reached 1,716 mm . So monsoon is clearly doing its work overall even if activity is not constant at every single point .
And comparing to last year is where picture gets slightly complicated actually . In 2024 same period reservoirs were at 22.26%,which was worrying . But last year July 11,2025 showed 73.88% which is 10,69,357 ML . So current 49.83% is massive improvement over 2024 but still sitting below where city was just one year ago . That gap is worth keeping in mind.
Honestly this monsoon has brought genuine relief to Mumbai's water situation and overflowing of Vihar and Tulsi lakes so early is positive signal . Residents who were worried through dry summer months can feel somewhat reassured right now.
But whether reservoirs will catch up to last year's levels or stay behind depends entirely on how remaining monsoon months perform . Upper Vaitarna still at only 28% is one number that probably needs to climb significantly before authorities can feel completely comfortable…
