Overview
- The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board issued three orders on Saturday that require flow restrictors or aerators on taps in homes, apartments, malls, hotels, government buildings and public places by July 31, 2026.
- The orders ban use of drinking water for non‑potable activities such as washing vehicles, watering gardens, filling swimming pools and construction, with pools used for state or national athlete training eligible for prior permission.
- Violators face an initial fine of ₹5,000, a continuing penalty of ₹500 per day and potential reduction of water supply by up to 50%, and the board said it may install devices and recover the cost from non-compliant users.
- BWSSB pointed to IMD-monitored monsoon shortfalls, an IISc predictive analysis flagging 65 wards at risk from groundwater depletion, and reservoir levels near roughly 23% as the rationale for the measures.
- The board directed non-potable needs to use treated or recycled water, said it may draw contingency water from Kabini and Hemavathi if needed, and appealed for public cooperation to preserve drinking supplies.