Bangalore just got thirstier

The Silicon Valley of India today gets only 900 MLD against a demand of 1,125 MLD. With an explosive growth in population, things could become bleaker in the days to come if remedial measures are not taken.

What is the solution? Reducing, recycling and reusing water holds the key, H Subramaniam, Co-Founder of the Earth Water Group, a Delhi-based water consultancy and advisory firm, says.

Besides, a few radical changes in the treatment, transportation and supply of water and collection of water bills are needed to hold off what looks like a crisis in the making, Subramaniam says.

Lamenting the gross underutilisation of waste water in the City, Subramaniam points that only 70 MLD or 10 percent of sewage is being recycled. If recycled adequately, the waste water could be used for non-potable purposes and the fresh water for drinking.

According to him, awareness should be created among citizens about optimal use of water.

Preventing the water crisis is possible through two steps - improving supply and managing demand. "With a sharp decrease in availability of water, it's quite obvious that we can more easily manage the demand than improving the supply. In Bangalore's case, harvesting rain water and recycling the waste water are the two easier solutions.

Prevention of water leakage is another important area which needs attention," Subramaniam told Deccan Herald.

The water management expert says that Bangalore needs to emulate Chennai, which has successfully overcome the water scarcity it once faced. “Chennai succeeded mainly because it strictly implemented RWH and water recycling schemes. In Bangalore, metering should be made mandatory to prevent water theft. Also, a slab-wise tariff should be introduced,” he says. The firm has been conducting technical training programmes for Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) personnel to educate them on stopping pilferage of water.

* Bangalore will require 1,576 MLD by 2013 and 2,025 MLD by 2021.

* Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) and recycling sewage and grey water are the ways to bridge the growing demand-supply gap.

* Pilferage of water can be checked by using the latest equipment, making metering and slab-wise tariff mandatory and creating awareness among the people.