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HomeHealthBengaluru: Most business establishments unaware of BWSSB’s ban on use of potable water

Bengaluru: Most business establishments unaware of BWSSB’s ban on use of potable water

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Bengaluru: Most business establishments unaware of BWSSB’s ban on use of potable water

While it can seem like swimming pools are large consumers of water, managers say they this ban is of no worry to them as most pools recycle and reuse water. 
| Photo Credit: Jahnavi T R

Even though the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has imposed a ban on using potable water, including borewell water, for non-essential purposes for a second year in a row, many business establishments in Bengaluru seem unsure of the rules and some, even unaware of the ban. Many are also unaware of the options to buy treated water for non-essential purposes. 

The Hindu spoke to a cross-section of sectors with high water dependence to find out how they plan to cope with the ban.

Construction 

Mahantesh, general secretary of the Karnataka Construction Workers’ Federation, voiced concerns about small-scale construction projects. He argued that these projects, especially those involving low-income workers, should be exempt from the water usage restrictions. Mr. Mahantesh acknowledged that there would be shortage of drinking water in the summer but emphasised that most construction work takes place in April and May, during the dry months, as the rainy season makes it difficult to carry out work. 

Theatres 

Many single-screen cinema theatres in the city said they were not aware of the ban and that they used borewell water for cleaning and other purposes. K.V. Chandrashekar, president of the Karnataka Film Exhibitors’ Association, said theatres will not be using Cauvery water. He clarified that water consumption in cinemas is not fixed but varies based on audience turnout and occupancy levels.  

Swimming pools 

While it can seem like swimming pools are large consumers of water, managers say they this ban is of no worry to them as most pools recycle and reuse water. Sunil Kumar, vice-president of Karnataka Swimming Association, said most public pools are designed for professional training. He highlighted that Cauvery water is not used in swimming pools. Addressing misconceptions, he explained that the pool water does not need daily replacement and can last up to 20 years without issues, ensuring minimal wastage. 

Shopping malls

Usually, most shopping malls use borewell water for non-consumption purposes and Cauvery water for potable purposes. But now, with the ban on usage of borewell water too, they are looking for avenues to buy treated water from either the BWSSB or other private sellers. “We use a combination of borewell water and Cauvery water for all purposes in malls. But now, if need be, we will buy treated water from BWSSB for non-drinking purposes,” said Uday B. Garudachar, MLA and owner of Garuda Mall.

Car wash centres 

While many vehicle service centres were not sure of how to cope with the ban, many were unaware of its existence. “These days we use very less water to wash cars as we have chemicals and air wash options. Even when we do wash with water, our equipment makes use of more air and very minimum water. As we run our service in a rented space, we do not have a borewell and we get water from tankers,” said a manager at Sri Manjunatha Car Wash in Kodigehalli. 

(With inputs from Siddarth B. Mahajan)



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