We’ll take RWAs’ help to tackle water woes

A lthough Bangalore can expect an 500mld (million litres daily) water supply under the Cauvery project’s last phase in two years, there is likelihood of water supply being inadequate to meet the city’s needs, especially as the area under the BBMP now extends to 800 sq km, covering a population of over 80 lakh. Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, PB Ramamurthy, in an interaction with DNA, reflected on the need to conserve water.

Do you think it is possible to have 24X7 water supply in the city?
Technically, it is possible. In fact, 24x7 could be beneficial, as there will be no need for storage of excess water, and that could facilitate optimum water use. However, we will not be able to supply water through the day at subsidised rates. The tariff will rise if water supply is 24X7.

Given the precarious situation, do you think you could make rules to prohibit the use of potable water for washing cars or watering lawns?
No, we can’t do that. How could we possibly enforce such rules? People should understand the need to use water carefully.

Would you be able to involve residents’ welfare associations in the campaign to prevent wastage of water?
We already work with residents’ welfare associations. On Thursday, we are launching a rainwater harvesting abhiyaan, an awareness drive. At every water adalat, we interact with RWAs.

How does the BWSSB plan to reduce leakage while supplying water?
We are replacing all old water pipes. We have installed 218 bulk-use meters, which will show us how much water is supplied to a particular zone, and how much is reaching the end user. In households in the city, we have a metering system that keeps a record of the use of water. This should help us to learn of any siphoning off of water. Bangalore is the only city in the country to have cent percent metering.

Cement pipes are being replaced with mild steel ones, which are welded to ensure seamless flow of water without leakage.

What are your plans for recycling waste water?
We have upgraded our water treatment plants. Earlier we used to treat water only to secondary level but now we have capacity to produce the tertiary-treated recycled water. The tertiary-treated water from Yelahanka treatment plant is fully used by the industrial units in that area. But in other areas people are not taking recycled water from the Vrushabhavati and Challaghatta plants. It could be used for construction purpose. We store treated water at Cubbon Park for people to collect. Many industries use borewell water, which is free. Once the bill on management and regulation of underground water is passed, it will be easier to prevent excessive exploitation of ground water. Recycled water will then find more users.