Summer is fast approaching and Bengalurians can already feel the increasing mercury and along with it the fears of the inevitable water crisis tags along as the uninvited guest. Have you wondered the many reasons for our city’s water issues? What does this summer have in store and is the Bengaluru city ready with solutions for the possible shortage that is foreseen? Let’s find out.

 

Causes of Water Shortage in Bangalore

1. Groundwater Depletion

      By now all of us living in Bengaluru are aware of the ground water depletion and resultant water crisis that comes with it every year, more so in peripheral areas like Whitefield, Sarajapur, and Bellandur.

Case in Point: Borewells in some parts of Bangalore now need to be drilled as deep as 1,500 feet to access water, a stark contrast to just 200-300 feet a decade ago. This year, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has warned that groundwater levels in 80 peripheral wards of the city could drop by 20 to 25 meters, exacerbating the ongoing water crisis. 

2. Over-Extraction and Poor Management

Bangalore’s water crisis isn’t just about scarcity, it’s also a case of mismanagement. The city’s daily water demand exceeds 2,100 million liters, but the supply from Cauvery and borewells barely meets half that need. This can be attributed to factors like unchecked drilling of borewells, illegal water tanker mafia, and lack of stringent conservation measures.

3. Urbanization and Pollution

As welcoming as Bangalore is, the influx of people leading to increased water demands, can also be attributed to the disappearance of over 85% of its lakes, many of which have either dried up or turned into sewage dumps. Construction and deforestation have further reduced groundwater recharge capacity.

4. Climate Change and Changing Rainfall Patterns

Monsoons in Bangalore have become increasingly unpredictable, with erratic rainfall patterns disrupting water availability. Excess rain leads to urban flooding, while dry spells worsen shortages.

Water Shortage Areas in Bangalore

Urban vs. Outer Zones

The city's rapid expansion has led to a pronounced divide in water accessibility:

• Urban Core: Central Bangalore benefits from established infrastructure, including piped water supply from the Cauvery River. However, even these areas face intermittent shortages due to aging pipelines and increasing demand.
  
  

• Peripheral Zones: Suburbs such as Bellandur, Whitefield, and Sarjapur have witnessed exponential growth, often outpacing infrastructure development. These areas predominantly rely on groundwater sources, which are depleting at alarming rates.

Differentiation Between Residential and Industrial Needs

• Residential Demand: The city's population has surged from 8 million in 2010 to approximately 14 million in recent years, leading to increased domestic water consumption.

• Industrial Consumption: Tech parks and manufacturing units, especially in areas like Whitefield and Electronic City, consume substantial water volumes. The competition between residential neighborhoods and industrial establishments often leaves local communities facing acute shortages.

Impact of Water Crisis on Bangalore

Daily Struggles in Urban Households

The average Bangalorean now spends more time and money securing water. In apartment complexes, tanker prices have surged, and borewell-dependent homes are seeing reduced water pressure. In outer zones, where municipal supply is limited, families are forced to adjust their routines based on water availability.

Agriculture at Risk

Bangalore's neighboring districts, which provide fresh vegetables, grains, and dairy, are feeling the heat of the water crisis. Farmers are abandoning water-intensive crops, while groundwater depletion is making traditional irrigation methods unviable. The ripple effect is being felt in city markets, with food prices steadily climbing.

A Challenge for the IT Industry

Tech giants like Infosys, Wipro, and smaller startups are struggling with the implications of water scarcity. Offices require water for daily operations, employee hygiene, and cooling server farms.

Environmental Toll

Bangalore’s water crisis is accelerating the loss of green cover and biodiversity. Once home to over 200 lakes, the city has seen a sharp decline in freshwater bodies due to encroachment and pollution. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and unchecked urbanization have led to soil degradation and lower groundwater replenishment rates.

Current Solutions and Government Measures

Water Supply Management

Currently, Bangalore relies heavily on the Cauvery River, which supplies nearly 1,450 MLD (million liters per day) to the city. However, demand far exceeds supply, especially in expanding urban areas.

According to BWSSB, Bangalore’s daily water demand is 2,600 MLD, leaving a significant deficit that is often met by private water tankers.

To bridge this gap, authorities are exploring alternate water sources, including treated wastewater reuse and desalination projects. They also plan to draw 500 MLD of water under Cauvery 6th phase to meet growing demand.

Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives

With erratic rainfall and declining groundwater, rainwater harvesting (RWH) has gained traction in both residential and commercial spaces. The BWSSB has made RWH mandatory for buildings larger than 60x40 sq. ft., ensuring better water conservation in urban homes.

Many apartments in Whitefield and Sarjapur Road have successfully reduced their tanker dependency by integrating rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.

Rejuvenation of Lakes and Rivers

Notable projects include:

• Kaikondrahalli Lake: Revived through community efforts and ecological planning.

• Jakkur Lake: Functions as a sustainable model, integrating sewage treatment to maintain water quality.

• Hebbal and Bellandur Lakes: Under ongoing restoration, though challenges like industrial waste dumping persist.

Potential Solutions and Long-Term Strategies

While short-term measures help manage the immediate crisis, Bangalore needs sustainable, long-term strategies to secure its water future. This requires a combination of technological innovations, community participation, and policy reforms to ensure a stable and equitable water supply.

Technological Innovations

• Smart Water Meters & IoT Solutions: These devices track real-time water consumption, detect leaks, and help both households and industries reduce water wastage.

• Desalination Plants: While costly, desalination provides a reliable source of water. Chennai already has two desalination plants supplying 200 MLD, and a similar model could benefit Bangalore.

• Wastewater Treatment & Recycling: Treated wastewater can be repurposed for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, industrial use, and even replenishing groundwater. Cities like Singapore already reuse up to 40% of their treated wastewater effectively.

Community Involvement

• Water Conservation Campaigns: Encouraging residents to adopt water-saving habits, such as using aerators, fixing leaks, and reducing overuse of borewells.

• Urban Gardening & Permeable Landscaping: Promoting rain gardens and green rooftops that naturally recharge groundwater while reducing urban heat.

• Neighborhood Rainwater Harvesting Drives: Large-scale initiatives can ensure local water security.

Policy Recommendations

1. Stronger Groundwater Regulations: Implement stricter laws on borewell drilling and excessive groundwater extraction, ensuring fair access to resources.

2. Mandatory Wastewater Recycling: Enforce wastewater treatment policies for large apartment complexes, IT parks, and industries.

3. Lake Protection and Revival: Implement stricter anti-encroachment laws to preserve Bangalore’s remaining lakes.

4. Subsidies for Water-Saving Technologies: Provide financial incentives for rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation solutions.

Yes, Namma Bengaluru is a city that welcomes people from all over the country. As the population of our dear city keeps rising so does its water needs. As evident from the blog, the climate change along with a low rainfall with every passing year only worsens the water shortage woes. This therefore needs to be tackled at several levels starting from individual, community, in cohesion with government policies. Let’s all collectively work towards Bengaluru’s  sustainable water future.