How BMC makes each drop of water matter

BMC is doing a remarkable job by providing 4,000 ML water daily to citizens. Water is transported from sources as far away as 175km and supplied through 5,500km of distribution lines. The FPJ starts a series of articles focusing on the good work being done by public bodies

- Shefali Parab-Pandit

Good monsoon rains play a vital role in keeping Mumbai's water supply steady throughout the year. At the same time, the journey from distant dams to your tap also tells a remarkable story of dedication and accuracy of the BMC. It is the civic body's unsung heroes who ensure every drop reaches the city.

Mumbai's drinking water comes from seven lakes - Tulsi and Vihar within the city, and Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Upper Vaitarna, and Bhatsa, located 100-175 km away in Palghar, Thane, and Nashik. Water travels through 650km of transmission mains and 5,500km of distribution pipelines, delivering about 4,000 million litres per day (MLD).

While the city's yearly requirement is around 14.47 lakhs MLD. It is treated at Panjrapur (1,365 MLD) and Bhandup Complex (2,810 MLD). The treated water is then stored in 27 reservoirs and distributed. The final step is overseen by chaviwalas who valves as per scheduled timings.

Water is provided two to six hours daily, with societies storing in underground and overhead tanks. Slum clusters depend on shared taps or tankers. The BMC manages the entire system using SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) to monitor pressure, flow, and leaks.