The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bangalore): Amid an intensifying water scarcity, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has mandated the installation of water-saving devices known as aerators on all public faucets, while also encouraging households to adopt this measure voluntarily. Aerators, which significantly reduce water usage by between 60% and 85%, are a cost-effective solution to the crisis, available for as little as ₹60, also offering the benefit of reduced monthly water bills.
BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar, who unveiled this initiative on Tuesday, likened aerators to the protective masks worn during the pandemic, emphasizing their importance in addressing the current water crisis. Effective from March 21, with a compliance deadline set for March 31, the requirement spans all public water outlets, including those in restrooms, kitchens, and other communal areas within commercial and institutional buildings.
In preparation, the BWSSB convened with the Bengaluru City Plumbers’ Association, enlisting the support of over 1,500 certified plumbers to promote and install these devices across the city. Establishments failing to meet the deadline will have aerators fitted by these plumbers at the proprietors’ expense.
Further demonstrating its commitment, the BWSSB has pledged to outfit its premises with aerators by the due date. Additionally, the organization is accelerating the replenishment of local lakes with treated water to enhance area aquifers. During an inspection of sewage treatment facilities servicing the Kengeri and Nayandahalli lakes, Mr. Manohar instructed an expedited completion of these efforts. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader strategy to replenish 14 lakes in the initial phase, with plans to extend this water conservation measure to additional lakes subsequently.