Penalty for wasting water to go up sharply

The seven dams supplying water to the city are nearly full. This, however, may lead to consumers using water excessively. Hence, taking cue from Singapore Public Utilities Board, BMC has decided to inflict heavy penalty on residents splurging water.

BMC is planning to levy penalty—four to six times the charge—from consumers who waste water. The corporation at present charges double to triple the amount for wasting water.

"We are lucky that there is adequate water stock this year. But we may not be lucky the next time. Hence, we are planning to deter people from wasting water. We may hike the penalty rates by four to six times," a senior civic official said.

The Singapore Public Utilities Board, its national water agency, levies fine up to $2,000 on consumers who don't use water judiciously. "We will send two of our engineers from the hydraulic dept to Singapore to study their conservation practices. We plan to adopt similar practices here," he added.

PenaltyCorporation supplies water at the prevailing rates up to 150 litres per head. For every additional 50 litres, charges go up; between 150 and 200 litres, the charges are double; between 200 and 250 litres, a consumer has to pay thrice the rates.