BWSSB to survey buildings with RWH systems
CSD, an NGO to begin the job shortly
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is all set to conduct a survey of the buildings that have already installed rainwater harvesting (RWH) system in the City.
Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), an NGO, which has been hired to conduct the survey is expected to begin the survey shortly.
The survey is an initiative by the Board to know citizens’ understanding of the concept and its implementation at their houses and commercial establishments.
Though enough information has been provided to residents about installation of rainwater harvesting system, a number of them are facing problems due to its unscientific installation, said a BWSSB official.
Take the case of an apartment in the City that has installed RWH system, allowing for the collected rainwater to be directly let into the sump. In the absence of an additional facility allowing draining out of excess water into recharge wells, the sump gets filled quickly and overflows during heavy rains, added the official.
In certain other places, residents have let the collected rainwater back into stormwater drains and sanitary lines without using or recharging the water, thus, defeating the purpose of rainwater harvesting.
The aim of rainwater harvesting is not only to use rainwater for non-potable purposes but also to lessen the flow of rainwater into sanitary lines, explained the official.
“We have prepared a questionnaire for residents and owners of business establishments. A thorough examination of RWH systems in over 1,000 buildings across the City will be conducted and its efficiency will be tested. Level of satisfaction among users and its periodicity of use will be noted,” said Executive Director of CSD R Srinivas.
Of the 30,000-odd buildings that have installed RWH till date, CSD will survey 1,000 buildings including 600 residential buildings, 270 commercial buildings like industries, hotels and business establishment and 120 government and statutory bodies.
In the wake of December 31 deadline, the BWSSB is advertising widely to inform the citizens of disconnecting water supply, on failure to adopt RWH within the deadline.
“Several pleas of citizens to exempt them from implementing the RWH system have not been encouraged, as the rule is mandatory as per the amended BWSSB Act,” noted a BWSSB official.
