Bengaluru Water Tariff Hike: BWSSB Proposes 1 Paise Per Liter Increase to Cover Losses

Bengaluru residents may soon face a hike in water tariffs as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) plans to increase rates by one paise per liter, generating an additional ₹756.36 crore in revenue annually. The proposed hike, if implemented, could raise household water bills by approximately ₹500 per month.

Why the Increase?

BWSSB currently earns ₹1,435.2 crore annually, but with rising operational costs and maintenance expenses exceeding ₹2,040 crore per year, the board is facing an annual deficit of ₹605 crore. The last water tariff revision took place 11 years ago, making this increase long overdue, according to officials.

The water board had submitted a four-tier pricing proposal to the government, with potential increases ranging from 0.3 paise to ₹1.50 per liter. However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar indicated that the government is inclined to approve the first-tier proposal, which would increase rates by 0.3 paise to 1 paise per liter to minimize the burden on consumers.

Projected Revenue and Rates

If the one paise per liter hike is implemented, BWSSB's monthly revenue is expected to rise to ₹182.63 crore, with an annual income of ₹2,191.56 crore.

Current Water Tariffs (Per 1,000 Liters)

• Domestic use: ₹7 to ₹45
• Apartment bulk supply: ₹22
• Non-domestic use: ₹50 to ₹70
• Industrial use: ₹90
• Sewerage charges: 25% of the water rate

Proposed First-Tier Tariff Hike (Per 1,000 Liters)

• Domestic use: ₹10-57
• Apartments: ₹35-55
• Non-domestic use: ₹60-100
• Industries: ₹100
• Sewerage charges: 50% of the water rate

Rising Costs Over the Years

• Electricity charges increased by 107.3% (2014-2024)
• BWSSB's operational expenses surged by 122.5%
• Salary and pension costs rose by 61.3%
• Monthly revenue collection: ₹119.6 crore
• Monthly expenditure: ₹170 crore
• Expected monthly expenditure post-Cauvery Phase 5: ₹210 crore

With Bengaluru's growing water demands, officials argue that the tariff revision is necessary to ensure uninterrupted water supply and system maintenance. However, citizens remain concerned about the impact of the hike on household expenses.

The final decision on the revised water rates is expected soon.