In Bengaluru, where water levels are decreasing, tap aerators are now required for bulk users to save water.

Due to a serious water shortage in the city, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has ordered bulk users to install tap aerators by March 31. This is to prevent water wastage.

An aerator controls how much water flows out of taps.

BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar stated that commercial buildings, apartments, restaurants, luxury hotels, industries, and public places must install aerators in their taps.

“From March 21 to 31, there’s a voluntary 10-day period for installing aerators,” he said. After this, buildings not complying will be required to install them.

Manohar also urged Bengaluru residents to “voluntarily use aerators” and assured that licensed plumbers would be available to help if necessary.

He also highlighted the affordability of aerators, emphasizing that focusing on key areas such as wash basins, kitchens, and handwashing stations can effectively reduce water wastage.

Encouraging public use of aerators, Manohar emphasized that the ‘affordable’ device, starting at just ₹60, significantly reduces water consumption and bills.

During the BWSSB meeting, Manohar discussed with the Bengaluru City Plumbers Association the crucial role of aerators in water conservation. He mentioned the potential for saving 60-85% of water through their use.

Recognizing the importance of licensed plumbers, the water supply chief stated that they will receive training to raise awareness and assist with aerator installations in buildings starting tomorrow (March 20).

Reiterating the mandate of aerator installations, Manohar highlighted the importance of collective effort to promote water-efficient practices.

Manohar stressed the need for everyone to work together to install aerators and promote water-saving practices.

In 2018, the Centre estimated that by the end of the decade, over 40% of Bengaluru residents would lack access to drinking water.

Only residents who receive piped water from rivers outside Bengaluru are still receiving regular water supply.

The Karnataka government stated that despite drilling some borewells in the city up to depths of 1,500 feet, 6,900 out of 13,900 borewells have dried up.

Areas dependent on groundwater, such as Muthuvel, now rely on water tankers that extract water from nearby villages.