The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board issued new prohibitory orders on July 5, 2026

What's BANNED with drinking water

Washing cars/vehicles

Gardening / watering lawns

Filling private & public swimming pools - Exception: pools for state/national athletes with prior approval

Cleaning roads, footpaths, public spaces

Construction work

Decorative fountains, non-drinking use in malls & cinema halls . 

For all these, you must use only treated/recycled water 

Penalties

First violation: ₹5,000 fine under Section 109 of BWSSB Act, 1964

Repeat violation: ₹5,000 + ₹500 per day additional penalty

Supply cut: Repeat violators may face up to 50% reduction in water supply under Section 53 . 

New Mandate: Water-saving aerators

Compulsory installation of Flow Restrictors/Aerators in: houses, apartments, malls, hotels, offices, govt buildings, industries

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Benefit: Cuts water consumption by 30% to 50% without affecting pressure

Non-compliance: ₹5,000 fine + ₹500/day + up to 50% supply cut 

Why now?

BWSSB cited deficient rainfall, falling groundwater levels, and IISc report showing groundwater could drop 5-25m in some areas. Bengaluru needs ∼1,450 MLD from Cauvery + 700 MLD groundwater