Double Benefit for Bengaluru Residents: Install Rainwater Harvesting Instead of Paying Penalties, BWSSB Offers Easy Home Setup
Bengaluru: In a major relief for residents facing penalties for not installing rainwater harvesting, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has rolled out a citizen-friendly plan offering a “double benefit” — install rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and avoid penalties while reducing water bills.
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar announced that the board will directly install advanced rainwater harvesting systems in the homes of willing customers, aiming to tackle the anticipated monsoon deficit and reduce dependence on Cauvery water and groundwater.
Why This Move Matters
Currently, many Bengaluru residents pay monthly penalties for not having RWH systems, with BWSSB collecting nearly ₹3 crore every month through such fines. The new initiative aims to convert this financial burden into a long-term benefit by enabling easy installation and water savings.
Under the scheme, the installation cost will be recovered in phases, roughly equal to the penalty amount customers are already paying. Over time, residents will eliminate penalties and see a reduction in monthly water bills.
Advanced Technology, Minimal Space
To address space constraints in urban homes, BWSSB is introducing 3rd-generation rainwater harvesting systems that can be installed in compact areas.
Key features include:
- 60-micron filtration ensuring clean, usable water similar to Cauvery supply
- SS316 anti-choke mesh for efficient filtration
- Over 90% water recovery using gravity
- Smart regulator system that removes impurities instantly
- Streamlined design for improved water flow and efficiency
Pilot Project Shows Strong Results
The system has already been successfully tested at 75 locations across the city, where it has delivered high-quality filtered water.
During a recent inspection at Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, the BWSSB Chairman reviewed the system’s performance, expressing confidence in scaling it citywide.
Citizens Welcome the Initiative
Residents who have adopted the system are reporting positive outcomes. One such user, Ashwath, said the filtered rainwater is cleaner than both tap and borewell water, and has helped reduce dependence on Cauvery supply while lowering bills.
Big Push Ahead
Encouraged by the pilot’s success, BWSSB is now preparing for a large-scale rollout targeting buildings that have not yet implemented rainwater harvesting.
Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar said that detailed discussions on execution will be taken up in the upcoming BWSSB board meeting to finalise the roadmap.
With this initiative, BWSSB is not only addressing water scarcity but also offering a practical, cost-saving solution for citizens — turning penalties into long-term benefits while promoting sustainable water management in Bengaluru.
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