Water tariff hike shocks Bengaluru residents, new rates effective from May 1

In a major decision, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has revised water tariffs after 11 years, with the Karnataka government approving the hike. Effective from May 1, domestic consumers will see a maximum increase of 1 paisa per liter. 

For domestic connections, the new slab-based hike includes:

• 0 to 8,000 liters: 0.15 paisa per liter increase
• 8,000 to 25,000 liters: 0.40 paisa increase 
• 25,000 to 55,000 liters: 0.80 paisa increase
• 50,000 to 1,00,000 liters: 1 paisa per liter increase

The BWSSB claims that the revised rates will reduce the financial burden on 50% of users. Additionally, tariffs will be increased by 3% every year starting April 1. 

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For apartment complexes:

• 0 to 2 lakh liters: 0.30 paisa per liter increase 
• 2 to 5 lakh liters: 0.60 paisa increase 
• 5 to 10 lakh liters: 1 paisa increase 

BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar stated that water prices hadn’t been revised since 2014, while electricity costs have tripled. With rising expenses and declining revenue post Cauvery Phase V, the board is facing heavy losses annually. As per the 1994 BWSSB Act, the board has full authority to implement this change after urgent discussions and directives from the Deputy CM.