BWSSB’s “Five Pillars” Water Model Earns Global Recognition; Bengaluru Utility Among World’s Top 5 at Madrid Summit
Madrid/Bengaluru, May 20: In a major international recognition for Bengaluru’s urban infrastructure and water governance model, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has secured a place among the world’s Top 5 water utilities at the prestigious Global Water Summit 2026 being held in Madrid, Spain.
BWSSB has become the only Indian water utility to be recognised in three major global categories, with international experts praising Bengaluru’s sustainable and technology-driven water management initiatives.
Global Praise for BWSSB’s “Five Pillars” Strategy
At the centre of BWSSB’s international recognition was its much-discussed “Five Pillars” model of water sustainability, which focuses on:
- Water conservation
- Wastewater recycling
- Water reuse
- Sustainable urban water governance
- Long-term water security planning
The integrated model was hailed as a global example of sustainable urban water management and was recognised for contributing towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-6 (SDG-6), which focuses on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.
BWSSB was listed among the Top 5 global utilities in this category alongside internationally reputed organisations including:
- Aguas Nuevas – Chile
- Indah Water Konsortium – Malaysia
- SANASA – Brazil
- Sanepar of Paraná – Brazil
The recognition has positioned Bengaluru as an emerging global model in sustainable urban water governance.
BWSSB Among World’s Top Utilities
BWSSB also secured a place among the Top 5 globally in the prestigious “Utility of the Year” category, considered one of the highest honours in the international water sector.
The recognition was based on BWSSB’s performance over the last three years in areas including:
- Urban water supply management
- Sanitation infrastructure
- Technology adoption
- Infrastructure expansion
- Sustainable governance practices
Other globally recognised utilities in the category included:
- Moulton Niguel Water District, Southern California
- Sabesp, São Paulo
- National Water Company (NWC), Saudi Arabia
BWSSB’s inclusion among these global institutions is being viewed as a landmark achievement for India’s urban infrastructure sector.
Cauvery Stage-V Project Receives International Acclaim
BWSSB’s flagship Cauvery Stage-V Drinking Water Project also secured a place among the Top 5 global projects under the “Water Project of the Year” category.
The project, aimed at addressing Bengaluru’s growing drinking water demand, was recognised alongside major international infrastructure projects including:
- Haikou Jiangdong New Area Water Treatment Plant – China
- Advanced Ultrafiltration Plant, Surat – India
- Upper Wawa Bulk Water Project – Philippines
- Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant – Serbia
The recognition highlights Bengaluru’s emergence as an international case study in large-scale urban water management and infrastructure transformation.
Bengaluru’s Water Governance Model Draws Attention
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, who represented the utility at the summit, held discussions with global experts, policymakers and utility heads on Bengaluru’s evolving water management strategies.
International delegates reportedly appreciated Bengaluru’s efforts in implementing sustainable and technology-driven solutions despite the pressures faced by one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.
“Global Recognition for Brand Bengaluru”
Speaking on the achievement, BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar said the recognition reflects Bengaluru’s growing global stature in sustainable urban governance.
He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, BWSSB has been implementing transformative water management initiatives as part of the larger “Brand Bengaluru” vision.
“This global recognition is a strong endorsement of Bengaluru’s emergence as a forward-looking global city committed to water security and sustainability. BWSSB remains dedicated to delivering world-class services to the citizens of Bengaluru,” he said.
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