Lingrajpuram Water Contamination Scare Forces BWSSB to Rip Out Ageing Cauvery Pipelines

In the wake of the Lingrajpuram water contamination scare, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has decided to undertake a major overhaul of the city's ageing Cauvery drinking water pipeline network. As part of the plan, nearly 3,000 kilometres of old pipelines will be replaced in a phased manner over the next three years to ensure safer water reaches households across Bengaluru.

BWSSB officials said the decision was taken after investigations revealed that contamination in Lingrajpuram was linked to decades-old Cauvery pipelines. The board has now opted for a citywide preventive approach, focusing on worn-out sections of the network that are vulnerable to leaks, corrosion and external intrusion before treated water reaches consumers.

Bengaluru's Cauvery water supply system spans close to 14,000 kilometres. Of this, around 3,000 kilometres of pipelines are more than 40 years old. Engineers say such ageing infrastructure is prone to rusting, cracks and structural damage, increasing the risk of pollutants mixing with drinking water as it passes through residential areas.

According to BWSSB officials, the replacement work will be carried out in stages, with priority given to the oldest and most fragile pipeline stretches. Localities that have reported repeated complaints, past contamination incidents or visible pipeline deterioration will be taken up first. The work will be planned zone-wise to minimise disruption to water supply and traffic movement.

BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said the board has become more vigilant following the recent contamination incident. He noted that ageing and corroded pipelines pose a serious public health risk, as damaged sections can allow sewage, soil and other impurities to seep into treated water flowing to homes.

Officials confirmed that findings from the Lingrajpuram probe played a key role in accelerating the decision. "Once we established that old pipelines were a major contributing factor, it became clear that replacement could no longer be postponed," a senior BWSSB official said.

The board expects the large-scale pipeline renewal to significantly improve tap water quality across Bengaluru. BWSSB believes the upgraded network will help reduce contamination complaints, lower health risks associated with unsafe drinking water and gradually restore public confidence in the Cauvery water supply system once the replacement of ageing pipelines is completed.