BWSSB to make greywater recycling mandatory for all new homes in Bengaluru

In a major step towards sustainable water management, BWSSB plans to mandate greywater recycling in all new residential constructions to reduce the city’s Cauvery dependency.

In a bold move to tackle Bengaluru’s growing water crisis, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has drafted a policy to make greywater recycling mandatory for all new buildings and detached houses in the city. The measure aims to conserve water, reduce the city’s dependence on the Cauvery River, and address the mounting strain on the drainage system.

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Currently, wastewater recycling is required only for large apartment complexes with over 120 flats. However, with the city’s rapid growth and frequent water shortages, officials believe expanding this rule to individual homes is crucial. The proposed policy will require separate pipelines for greywater, water from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry, and blackwater from toilets.

The treated greywater will be stored in separate tanks and reused for non-drinking purposes like gardening, toilet flushing, and cleaning. This not only cuts down on freshwater wastage but also reduces underground drainage pressure. Experts estimate the initiative could lower Bengaluru’s Cauvery water dependence by nearly half while boosting groundwater recharge levels.

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Households will also be required to keep plastics, soap wrappers, and other solids out of the drainage system to prevent contamination. Maintenance of filtration pits will be made mandatory at least once a year to ensure water quality and hygiene.