<p class="bodytext">The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) decision to raise water tariffs for the first time in 11 years has sparked understandable dismay among residents already grappling with rising living costs. The minimum 32% increase in water bills and 25% hike in sewerage charges have come at a time when household budgets are stretched thin. However, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has defended the hike, citing BWSSB’s financial challenges and the need for a sustainable water supply in a rapidly growing city. With rising electricity costs significantly increasing water pumping expenses, BWSSB’s annual losses have reached nearly Rs 1,000 crore. Years of political hesitation over periodic, structured tariff revisions, have only worsened the situation, making sudden steep hikes inevitable. To prevent future shocks, BWSSB now proposes an annual increase of 3%, in line with the recommendations of the Karnataka State Administrative Reforms Commission, which will lead to a more predictable approach.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Despite public opposition, experts argue that appropriate pricing is essential to driving efficient water use and improving overall service delivery. S Vishwanath, a noted water conservationist, emphasises that undervaluing water leads to its misuse. When water is fairly priced, people begin to recognise its value which can lead to a behavioural shift in a city facing chronic water stress. Moreover, enhancing BWSSB’s revenue through rational tariff structures is vital to treating wastewater to acceptable environmental standards. The cost of treating a kilolitre of water is nearly Rs 40, and this is a necessary expense if Bengaluru is to stop polluting its lakes and return clean water to nature. In this context, experts say, the tariff revision is not just a financial necessity, but an environmental imperative.</p>.Bengalureans will now have to shell more for water bills, rates revised after 11 yrs .<p class="bodytext">That said, BWSSB must now match its consumers’ contribution with accountability and efficiency. Tariff rationalisation must be accompanied by tangible improvements in service quality. It must invest in reducing water losses through better leak detection, accurate metering, and modern infrastructure upgrades. Efforts to promote rainwater harvesting and public awareness on conservation are also crucial. Lower operational costs, building institutional capacity, and investing in solutions like recycled water for non-potable uses can ease future burdens. Finally, it is not just the government or BWSSB that bears the responsibility. Bengaluru’s water crisis cannot be solved by tariffs alone – it requires a collective commitment to valuing every drop. Citizens too must do their part – by conserving water, adopting rainwater harvesting, and reducing wastage. Sustainable water management is a shared responsibility, and Bengaluru’s water future depends on long-term commitment from all stakeholders.</p>
<p class="bodytext">The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) decision to raise water tariffs for the first time in 11 years has sparked understandable dismay among residents already grappling with rising living costs. The minimum 32% increase in water bills and 25% hike in sewerage charges have come at a time when household budgets are stretched thin. However, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has defended the hike, citing BWSSB’s financial challenges and the need for a sustainable water supply in a rapidly growing city. With rising electricity costs significantly increasing water pumping expenses, BWSSB’s annual losses have reached nearly Rs 1,000 crore. Years of political hesitation over periodic, structured tariff revisions, have only worsened the situation, making sudden steep hikes inevitable. To prevent future shocks, BWSSB now proposes an annual increase of 3%, in line with the recommendations of the Karnataka State Administrative Reforms Commission, which will lead to a more predictable approach.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Despite public opposition, experts argue that appropriate pricing is essential to driving efficient water use and improving overall service delivery. S Vishwanath, a noted water conservationist, emphasises that undervaluing water leads to its misuse. When water is fairly priced, people begin to recognise its value which can lead to a behavioural shift in a city facing chronic water stress. Moreover, enhancing BWSSB’s revenue through rational tariff structures is vital to treating wastewater to acceptable environmental standards. The cost of treating a kilolitre of water is nearly Rs 40, and this is a necessary expense if Bengaluru is to stop polluting its lakes and return clean water to nature. In this context, experts say, the tariff revision is not just a financial necessity, but an environmental imperative.</p>.Bengalureans will now have to shell more for water bills, rates revised after 11 yrs .<p class="bodytext">That said, BWSSB must now match its consumers’ contribution with accountability and efficiency. Tariff rationalisation must be accompanied by tangible improvements in service quality. It must invest in reducing water losses through better leak detection, accurate metering, and modern infrastructure upgrades. Efforts to promote rainwater harvesting and public awareness on conservation are also crucial. Lower operational costs, building institutional capacity, and investing in solutions like recycled water for non-potable uses can ease future burdens. Finally, it is not just the government or BWSSB that bears the responsibility. Bengaluru’s water crisis cannot be solved by tariffs alone – it requires a collective commitment to valuing every drop. Citizens too must do their part – by conserving water, adopting rainwater harvesting, and reducing wastage. Sustainable water management is a shared responsibility, and Bengaluru’s water future depends on long-term commitment from all stakeholders.</p>
