Bengaluru

A tenant in Bengaluru has raised alarm after receiving a monthly water bill of ₹15,800 for a two-person household. The bill, reportedly linked to a Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) connection, has triggered widespread discussion after the tenant shared the details on social media.

What the tenant alleges

The tenant claimed the bill showed consumption of nearly 1.65 lakh litres of water in a single month, despite the household comprising just two people who are often away at work. Adding to the frustration, the tenant pointed out that water supply in the building is irregular, with no running water on some days. Despite this, the landlord has insisted on payment of the full bill amount.

Public reaction

The post quickly went viral, with many online users expressing disbelief at the charges. Several argued that such consumption would be impossible for a two-member household. Suggestions from netizens included checking the water meter for errors, verifying for leakages, and comparing bills with neighbouring tenants. Some also advised taking up the matter directly with BWSSB or seeking legal recourse if the issue persists.

Issues and possible causes

The unusually high bill has raised concerns about possible overcharging. Common reasons suggested for such discrepancies include:

  1. Faulty or misread water meters.

  • Leakage in the supply system.

  • Misclassification of usage — with tenants being billed at commercial instead of residential rates.

    • Compounding matters, tenants allege that water supply is not regular enough to justify such high billing, pointing to larger systemic flaws in the way consumption is recorded and charged.

    Tenant’s demands

    The tenant has sought clarification from the landlord on how such a figure was calculated. Online discussions also highlighted that affected tenants can formally request a meter inspection, lodge complaints with BWSSB, or seek legal help to challenge inflated utility bills.

    Conclusion

    The case has sparked debate in Bengaluru over transparency in utility billing and the accountability of landlords. While this incident may involve just one household, it highlights a broader concern about tenants’ rights and the need for stricter oversight of how water charges are calculated and collected in the city.