<p>Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is considering legal measures to mandate Cauvery water connections for apartments in Bengaluru.</p>.<p>However, the specifics of these changes are still being worked out.</p>.<p>Confirming this to DH, a BWSSB official acknowledged that many residents hesitate to opt for Cauvery water due to high upfront costs. "The pro-rata charges are Rs 400 per square metre, along with additional costs. For a built-up area of 1,000 square feet, the expense could range between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000,” he explained.</p>.<p>Another deterrent is the perception that borewell water is free.</p>.<p>“People assume borewell water comes at no cost, so why switch? But Cauvery water costs only Rs 20 per 1,000 litres and is of far better quality than reverse osmosis (RO) water,” the official added.</p>.<p>However, many citizens remain unconvinced.</p>.<p>Water conservation expert Tharun Kumar pointed out the hidden costs of water supply. “We use enormous power to pump water to Bengaluru due to its elevation. A significant portion of this energy comes from burning fossil fuels, as solar power alone cannot sustain the heavy-duty motors required. Infrastructure development is also sluggish. While rainwater harvesting is mandated, enforcement is weak. Water should be recycled 1,000 times, not just 10 or 20. People need incentives to make sustainable choices,” he argued.</p>.<p>Residents also voiced concerns over service gaps.</p>.BWSSB seeks Deputy CM approval for water tariff hike in Bengaluru to offset mounting losses .<p>Subramanian K from Hennur Taskers expressed frustration over delays. “There is a disconnect between government claims and ground reality. As of January 29, 2025, our apartment, built in 2007, still lacks Cauvery connection. We rely entirely on borewells and tankers and have been promised a connection for years, but nothing has changed,” he said.</p>.<p>“We have been paying the BWSSB since 2007 without receiving a drop of water. Currently, we spend nearly Rs 3 to 4 lakh per month for 250 flats,” he added.</p>.<p>Vidya Goggi, former governing council member of the Bangalore Apartments Federation and member of the Whitehouse Apartment Association, Hebbal, opposed a blanket mandate. “Some newer apartments, recognised by the BWSSB for being self-reliant in water management, do not require a Cauvery connection. Apartments heavily dependent on tankers should have the choice to opt in,” she said.</p>.<p>She also flagged unfair pricing. “Apartments pay Rs 23 per 1,000 litres, while individual houses pay Rs 8. This disparity must be addressed,” she added.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is considering legal measures to mandate Cauvery water connections for apartments in Bengaluru.</p>.<p>However, the specifics of these changes are still being worked out.</p>.<p>Confirming this to DH, a BWSSB official acknowledged that many residents hesitate to opt for Cauvery water due to high upfront costs. "The pro-rata charges are Rs 400 per square metre, along with additional costs. For a built-up area of 1,000 square feet, the expense could range between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000,” he explained.</p>.<p>Another deterrent is the perception that borewell water is free.</p>.<p>“People assume borewell water comes at no cost, so why switch? But Cauvery water costs only Rs 20 per 1,000 litres and is of far better quality than reverse osmosis (RO) water,” the official added.</p>.<p>However, many citizens remain unconvinced.</p>.<p>Water conservation expert Tharun Kumar pointed out the hidden costs of water supply. “We use enormous power to pump water to Bengaluru due to its elevation. A significant portion of this energy comes from burning fossil fuels, as solar power alone cannot sustain the heavy-duty motors required. Infrastructure development is also sluggish. While rainwater harvesting is mandated, enforcement is weak. Water should be recycled 1,000 times, not just 10 or 20. People need incentives to make sustainable choices,” he argued.</p>.<p>Residents also voiced concerns over service gaps.</p>.BWSSB seeks Deputy CM approval for water tariff hike in Bengaluru to offset mounting losses .<p>Subramanian K from Hennur Taskers expressed frustration over delays. “There is a disconnect between government claims and ground reality. As of January 29, 2025, our apartment, built in 2007, still lacks Cauvery connection. We rely entirely on borewells and tankers and have been promised a connection for years, but nothing has changed,” he said.</p>.<p>“We have been paying the BWSSB since 2007 without receiving a drop of water. Currently, we spend nearly Rs 3 to 4 lakh per month for 250 flats,” he added.</p>.<p>Vidya Goggi, former governing council member of the Bangalore Apartments Federation and member of the Whitehouse Apartment Association, Hebbal, opposed a blanket mandate. “Some newer apartments, recognised by the BWSSB for being self-reliant in water management, do not require a Cauvery connection. Apartments heavily dependent on tankers should have the choice to opt in,” she said.</p>.<p>She also flagged unfair pricing. “Apartments pay Rs 23 per 1,000 litres, while individual houses pay Rs 8. This disparity must be addressed,” she added.</p>
