• By Nidhi Giri
  • Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:30 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Bengaluru Water Tank Price Hike: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has alerted the residents in view of falling groundwater levels, particularly on Bengaluru’s outskirts, where depletion has reached 10 to 15 metres, as per a DH report. With an early onset of summer in Bengaluru, authorities are tightening water regulations to prevent a crisis. There will be stricter rules on borewell usage and an urgent push for residents to switch to Cauvery water connections.

A recent collaborative study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and BWSSB shows the severe drop in groundwater levels across various parts of Bengaluru. While core city areas have seen a five-metre decline, the outskirts—including the City Municipal Corporation areas and the 110 villages—have recorded a staggering 10 to 15-metre drop.

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With this, the cost of water tankers—already a major expense for many—could soon skyrocket. Officials warn that a water crisis will create a surge in demand, allowing private tanker suppliers to hike rates. To counter this, the BWSSB is urging apartment residents to shift to Cauvery water connections instead of relying on borewells and tankers.

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BWSSB In Control From April 1

From April 1, the BBMP will transfer control of all borewells and RO plants to the BWSSB, making it the sole agency responsible for drinking water in Bengaluru. To ensure judicious water use, BWSSB officials and water meter readers will begin monitoring borewell extraction from Saturday. Residents found misusing potable water for non-drinking purposes or excessively drawing from borewells will face penalties.

Additionally, to improve access to Cauvery water, BWSSB plans to set up 16 Cauvery Connect Centres in the 110 villages covered under Cauvery Stage V. A new app is also being developed, allowing residents to book water tankers online for a fixed rate of Rs 90 per tanker. These centres are expected to be operational by early March, providing a regulated alternative to private water suppliers.