After metro fare hike, Bengaluru braces for annual Cauvery water price increase

Water Board plans yearly 3% hike from April to boost revenue, adding fresh burden on city residents

Bengaluru residents may soon have to pay more for Cauvery drinking water, adding to the financial strain already felt after the recent metro fare increase. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is planning to raise water tariffs by 3 per cent from April.

According to sources, the water board is working on a proposal to increase Cauvery water prices every year in April, making the hike an annual exercise. The move is part of a plan to improve the board’s revenue and manage rising operational costs.

Also Read:Bengaluru metro fares officially revised: BMRCL announces 5% annual ticket price hike from Feb 9

This will not be the first revision in recent times. Around eight months ago, the BWSSB had revised water tariffs by increasing prices in paise per litre. During that revision, domestic water charges were raised by a minimum of 0.15 paise per litre, while the maximum increase was 1 paise per litre.

For commercial water users, the hike was sharper, with prices going up by up to 1.90 paise per litre.

Now, with another increase being considered, residents fear a double financial burden, especially at a time when essential services are becoming costlier. If implemented, the proposed hike will affect both households and commercial establishments, pushing up monthly water bills across the city.