Cauvery Phase 5: BWSSB Offers Water Connections to NGT-Compliant Apartments

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has initiated the implementation of the Cauvery Stage 5 project, now offering water connections exclusively to apartments that comply with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regulations. After a 17-year wait, 110 villages within the BBMP limits have finally received the opportunity to access drinking water.

As part of the project, the BWSSB is prepared to supply water to 55,000 connections that have already been established and aims to provide new connections within 15 to 30 days for applicants. However, connections will only be granted to apartments that adhere to strict NGT regulations focused on wastewater treatment and water conservation.

Regardless of the number of flats in a given apartment, the BWSSB is ready to supply water. Yet, only those apartments prioritizing sustainable practices will be considered. Apartments with over 120 flats must have a mandatory Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and utilize at least 30% of treated water for non-drinking purposes. Additionally, all taps in these apartments must be fitted with aerators to conserve water.

The BWSSB plans to provide water to apartment customers based on average consumption, targeting supplies two to three times a week.

The BWSSB has set ambitious goals, aiming to supply water to 5 million people across the 110 villages and establish 400,000 connections. With 55,000 connections already made, the board is launching a door-to-door awareness campaign to encourage residents to apply for water connections.

New customers can apply through the BWSSB website or submit offline applications. The BWSSB has clarified that no intermediaries or agents are authorized to facilitate connections; only registered plumbers will conduct the necessary work under BWSSB supervision. To ensure public awareness, assistance centers will be established to provide guidance on the application process.

Current Water Supply Status

Currently, the BWSSB is able to pump only 150 million liters per day (MLD) for the 110 villages, despite an additional 755 MLD of water expected from the Cauvery Stage 5 project. This is due to the limited number of connections available. Sources within the BWSSB indicate that the current supply will sufficiently meet the needs of existing connections.

Water Usage Charges

The BWSSB has outlined water usage charges for residential buildings as follows:

• 0-8,000 liters: ₹7 per 1,000 liters
• 8,001-25,000 liters: ₹11 per 1,000 liters
• 25,001-50,000 liters: ₹26 per 1,000 liters
• Above 50,000 liters: ₹45 per 1,000 liters
• Maximum charge: ₹56

New connections will incur a pro-rata fee based on square footage, with residential buildings (including apartments) paying ₹400 per square meter and non-residential or commercial buildings paying ₹600 per square meter.

The BWSSB has already received approximately 25,000 new applications for connections, with water supply being tailored to meet customer demand. Dr. Ram Prasad Manohar, President of the BWSSB, emphasized that only apartments adhering to NGT regulations will be considered for Cauvery water connections.