BWSSB books nearly 800 cases for misuse of drinking water in July
Nearly a month after the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) issued fresh orders against the misuse of drinking water in the city, it
Nearly a month after the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) issued fresh orders against the misuse of drinking water in the city, it has booked nearly 800 cases for violation of water usage regulations and collected a penalty of over ₹30 lakh in July alone. Meanwhile, it has also installed over 38,000 aerators to public taps across the city during the same period and collected the cost from the owners, as of July 30.
Most of these cases pertain to misuse of drinking water for purposes like construction, washing vehicles, etc., sources in the board said. While most of the big builders have shifted to using treated water, smaller units continue to use potable water, sources said. Moreover, many are misinformed that using borewell water for construction was permissible and only use of Cauvery river water was banned, an official said.
“Use of any potable water is not permitted,” a senior official clarified. The BWSSB, on July 5, issued three orders to conserve drinking water in light of a deficient monsoon this year and expecting a water stressed summer in 2027. The orders barred the use of potable water for purposes like washing vehicles, construction, gardening, filling swimming pools, etc. apart from mandating installation of aerators to all public taps.
The BWSSB gave time till July 31 to install aerators. However, the board officials have already begun inspecting all public spaces and installing aerators to those public taps which do not have one. The board has been collecting the costs of these aerators from the owners of these properties.
The BriefWire