Bengaluru Water Board makes aerators mandatory, bans drinking water use for pools; Rs 5,000 fine for violations
Bengaluru, July 5
Citing disruptions in monsoon rainfall due to El Nino and the need to ensure drinking water security for the city, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board on Sunday issued three major directives aimed at promoting judicious use and conservation of water, including the mandatory installation of aerators across the city.
The Board emphasised that these measures are intended to instil a culture of responsible water use, prevent wastage of drinking water, and ensure long-term water security for Bengaluru. BWSSB Chairperson Manjula stated that the decisions follow a report by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Under the first directive, the use of Flow Restrictors/Aerators has been made compulsory in all buildings that consume water, including houses, apartments, commercial buildings, government offices, hotels and industries.
According to BWSSB, installing aerators can reduce water consumption by 30 per cent to 50 pre cent without affecting water pressure or usability.
Under the second directive, the Board has prohibited the use of drinking water for non-potable purposes such as washing vehicles, watering gardens, cleaning roads and footpaths and construction activities. For such purposes, only treated/recycled water must be used mandatorily, the order states.
Under the third directive, filling private and public swimming pools in the city with drinking water has been banned with immediate effect. Pool operators have been directed to use only treated water or water from other alternative sources.
The BWSSB warned that strict action will be taken against violators under the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964. Offenders will face up to a 50 per cent reduction in water supply and a fine of Rs 5,000. If the violation continues, an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day will be levied along with further legal action.
BWSSB Chairperson Manjula said, "Drinking water is a precious natural resource that belongs to everyone. Its conservation is the duty of every citizen. Today's savings will lay a strong foundation for tomorrow's water security."
"Therefore, I appeal to everyone to use water responsibly, install aerators, avoid misuse of drinking water and join the people's movement for water conservation. With public participation, we can make Bengaluru's water future more secure," she added.
The Board said the decisions were taken as part of several bold steps to manage the city's water resources sustainably.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative but Rs 5,000 fine seems steep for common households. Many apartments already struggle with water management. What about making recycled water more accessible first? The IISc report should also be made public so we understand the data behind these decisions.
Having lived in Bangalore for 5 years, I've seen water tankers become a luxury. These rules are overdue but practical. The 30-50% reduction from aerators is backed by science - we installed them in our apartment and saw the difference within months. Kudos to BWSSB for taking bold steps.
Good rules but why only focus on end-users? What about the 40% water loss from leaky pipes in the city? BWSSB should fix their infrastructure first before penalising citizens. Still, conservation is everyone's responsibility - I'm installing aerators this weekend.
This is the kind of governance we need! El Nino or not, water conservation should be a year-round practice. Banning drinking water for pools is especially important - those massive swimming pools during summer are a luxury we can't afford anymore. Let's hope other Indian cities follow suit.
As someone living in an apartment, I worry about implementation. How will they check each household's water usage? Also, many low-income families can't afford aerators suddenly. The government should distribute them free or subsidised. Good intention, but execution needs work.
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