The summer heat is putting pressure on the city’s drinking water supply. Lake water evaporation has risen compared to the past two years. While the increase is minor, a former BMC official said it could become a serious issue by May. In the past six days, lake levels have dropped by 2.21 per cent. During the same period last year, the drop was 2.19 per cent, and in 2023, it was 2.1 per cent. Compared to 2023, the current water stock has gone down by 0.11 per cent, and it’s 0.02 per cent lower than in 2024.

Officials from the civic hydraulic department said, “The chances of lake water evaporating are higher this year compared to last year, due to the intense sun.” However, they added that the difference is still “very minor.” Hydraulic Engineer Purushotam Malwade said, “Considering all aspects, we have already requested the state government to release water from its reserved stock. We have planned to ensure water supply till the end of July.”