Illegal water connections drain 28% supply in Bengaluru, BWSSB steps up crackdown

Unauthorised water connections continue to challenge the water utility, causing losses, contamination risks, and prompting intensified action by the Blue Force team.

Unauthorised water connections have emerged as a major concern for the Bengaluru water utility, creating operational challenges and posing risks to the quality of drinking water supplied across the city. Officials are finding it increasingly difficult to track these illegal connections, which continue to grow despite enforcement measures.

According to the water board, nearly 28 percent of the total water supplied is being lost without official records. This unaccounted water loss is largely attributed to illegal connections drawn without the knowledge of the utility. Such connections are also being cited as a key reason for water contamination in several areas.

Officials have flagged that unauthorised tapping of pipelines allows external impurities to enter the supply system. This has raised serious concerns over the safety of drinking water, with questions being raised on whether illegal connections are behind recent complaints of foul-smelling water in some localities.

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The problem has been worsening over time, with new illegal connections reportedly being set up frequently, often overnight, escaping immediate detection by officials. This has added to the workload of field officers and complicated monitoring efforts.

To address the issue, a special enforcement unit known as the Blue Force was launched in November last year to identify and disconnect unauthorised water lines. Since its formation, the team has taken action against around 8,000 illegal connections across the city.

The enforcement drive has also resulted in significant financial penalties. So far, fines amounting to more than ₹142.66 crore have been imposed on those found using unauthorised connections, according to the water board.

Despite these efforts, officials admit that the challenge remains significant, as illegal connections continue to surface. The water utility has intensified surveillance and inspections to protect clean drinking water and reduce losses caused by unauthorised usage.