Bengaluru water board plans dedicated pipeline to supply treated water to industries

Bengaluru is currently grappling with one of its most severe water crises even before the peak of summer

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is considering providing treated water to industries through separate pipelines. BWSSB is likely to lay a dedicated pipeline to supply treated water to the Peenya Industrial Area, which has more than 15,000 manufacturing units.

BWSSB chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar, on April 6, met representatives of various small-scale industries, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), Peenya Industries Association, and others.

Also, read: Bengaluru's Peenya industrial region is now a hotbed for manufacturing startups

"To promote the use of treated water, for the first time in the country, we are now considering supplying treated water to industries through a separate pipeline. Our aim is to reduce dependence on Cauvery water by further increasing the use of treated water. We are planning to provide treated water through a dedicated pipeline to small-scale industries in Peenya on a pilot basis." said Manohar.

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Manohar emphasised BWSSB's readiness to provide the necessary water supply to industries across the city. He also highlighted the availability of high-quality treated water certified by the Indian Institute of Science for various purposes. "In Bengaluru, 1,480 MLD of wastewater is generated daily, with 1,212 MLD currently being treated at various plants." he said

He urged industrial organizations to raise awareness among industries regarding the benefits of utilizing treated water.

Additionally, BWSSB is planning to implement a community rainwater harvesting system by installing pipes from apartment complexes to nearby lakes, starting with Varthur and Bellandur lake areas.

Separately, BWSSB recently decided to take over borewells at construction sites and to provide treated water instead. BWSSB has been supplying treated water for some construction sites in tankers since April 3.

Also Read: Bengaluru water board to take over borewells at construction sites; says will instead provide treated water

BWSSB fines 362 users for misuse of water

BWSSB has so far fined 362 users across the city for misusing water and collected a fine of Rs 18 lakh.

BWSSB on March 7 banned potable water usage for non-essential purposes. Manohar said that they have imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 if drinking water is used for other purposes. "So far, we have imposed fines totaling Rs 18 lakh on 362 people for violating the rules. The use of drinking water for other purposes has decreased by almost 80 to 90 percent"

Also, read: Amid crisis, Bengaluru bans potable water usage for car washing, gardening; imposes Rs 5,000 fine

Deadline for mandatory tap aerators extended till April 30

Meanwhile, BWSSB has extended the deadline for mandatory tap aerators for bulk water users until April 30.

Initially, establishments were given a ten-day window starting from March 21 to install aerators, with a deadline set for March 31. However, the deadline was subsequently extended to April 7.

Also Read: Bengaluru water crisis: Install aerators in taps or face 50% supply cut and fine, water board tells bulk users

Officials said failure to comply will result in a Rs 5,000 fine and a 50% reduction in water supply, as per BWSSB Act, 1964, Section 53. BWSSB had issued an advisory urging the use of flow restrictor/aerator for bulk users such as malls, commercial complexes, apartments, government buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants, and public areas, including religious places.