Bengaluru Water crisis: Installation drive for tap aerators to start today

The water management authority in Bengaluru is initiating a campaign to install tap aerators in various establishments across the city today as part of efforts to conserve water amidst a critical shortage.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has made it compulsory for bulk consumers in the tech hub to use aerators in their taps, preceding recent restrictions imposed by the agency. These restrictions include prohibitions on using Cauvery and borewell water for activities like pool dances and rain dances during the upcoming Holi festivities.

Furthermore, limitations have been placed on using potable water for washing cars, construction work, gardening, and in fountains and swimming pools.

Tap aerators are attachments fixed to tap openings that regulate water flow. V Ram Prasath Manohar, BWSSB’s chairman, emphasized the importance of these devices, which can save between 60 to 85 percent of water. He announced that authorities will commence aerator installations in buildings starting today, with a voluntary ten-day period until March 31. After this, non-compliant buildings will be required to install aerators.

Bengaluru, along with the rest of Karnataka, is facing a severe water scarcity even before the onset of summer, with approximately 6,900 borewells dried up across the city. The deficiency has been exacerbated by low rainfall during the previous monsoon season.