Bengaluru, 5 July

Citing deficient rainfall and falling groundwater levels, the BWSSB has issued prohibitory orders and conservation measures to curb wastage of drinking water amid fears of scarcity in parts of the city.

Noting that groundwater levels have declined in several localities due to inadequate rainfall, the board said citizens’ cooperation was essential to ensure an equitable supply of drinking water to Bengaluru’s estimated population of 14 million, comprising permanent residents and the floating population.

With immediate effect, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board has prohibited the use of drinking water for washing vehicles, gardening, construction activities, decorative fountains and similar recreational features, non-essential purposes in cinemas and malls, and road construction and cleaning, under Sections 33 and 34 of the BWSSB Act, 1964.

Violators will face a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 109 of the Act.

Repeat violations will attract an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day, apart from the initial fine, it said.

People have been asked to report violations to the BWSSB call centre by dialling 1916.

In a separate public notification, the board made it mandatory for malls, commercial complexes, apartment buildings, government offices, luxury hotels, restaurants and public places, including religious institutions, to install flow restrictors or aerators on taps by July 31, 2026, to reduce water consumption.

The BWSSB warned that failure to install the devices within the stipulated deadline could result in a reduction of up to 50 per cent in water supply under Section 53 of the BWSSB Act, in addition to a fine of Rs 5,000.

Repeat violations will attract an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day.

The board said it would install the devices itself under the provisions of the Act and recover the cost from the respective consumers if they failed to comply.

It has also banned the use of drinking water for filling and maintaining swimming pools with immediate effect.

The board said complaints would also be lodged with the jurisdictional police against swimming pool owners for non-compliance.

However, the prohibition will not apply to swimming pools used for training athletes preparing for state- and national-level competitions.

Such facilities must obtain prior permission from the BWSSB before using drinking water for the purpose.

The board said the measures had been introduced in the larger public interest to prevent the wastage of potable water and ensure an uninterrupted supply amid the current water stress.