Bengaluru: For thousands of families in Bengaluru’s water-scarce localities, neighbourhood reverse osmosis (RO) plants were once a lifeline, providing safe drinking water at an affordable cost when Cauvery supply faltered and borewells ran dry. But over the years, poor maintenance and civic neglect rendered most of these facilities dysfunctional.
Now, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has stepped in to revive 1,184 RO plants handed over from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), converting them into self-sustaining, digitally enabled kiosks. The move aims to bring transparency, uniform pricing, and accountability while ensuring uninterrupted supply of potable water.
From coins to QR codes
Earlier, residents paid for water by inserting a ₹5 coin to collect 20 litres. Many machines, however, fell into disrepair, leading to irregular pricing and compromised quality. With BWSSB’s intervention, the kiosks now feature QR code-based digital payments.
“Citizens can scan a QR code to pay BWSSB directly and fill their cans. For those without smartphones, prepaid cards are available at BWSSB service centres, which can be swiped at these kiosks,” explained a senior engineer.
Ensuring accountability
Unlike earlier, when multiple private contractors ran the plants without oversight, the new model ties maintenance directly to revenue. BWSSB has bundled the 1,184 kiosks into 20 packages, each with 45–50 plants and dedicated supervisors.
“In every package, three supervisors will monitor water quality round the clock. Already, 836 RO plants have been repaired, and very soon they will be made available to the public,” the engineer said.
Revenue-sharing model
Under the revised system, contractors will receive 60% of the total revenue. Of this, they must allocate 50% towards maintenance and retain 10% as profit. BWSSB will receive 40%, spending 27.5% on electricity bills and keeping 12.5% as surplus.
“This model ensures contractors are directly responsible for upkeep while removing political interference,” officials added.
Uniform pricing for water
Previously, citizens paid between ₹10 and ₹15 per 20-litre can, depending on the contractor’s discretion. BWSSB has now decided to standardise pricing at ₹10 for 20 litres.
“The board is yet to finalise the tariff officially, but our aim is to keep water affordable while ensuring service quality,” officials said.
Tackling past challenges
RO plants under BBMP had suffered from poor oversight. Several lacked dedicated electricity meters, defaulted on bills for nearly two years, or ran without timely filter replacements, compromising water safety.
“With BWSSB’s direct monitoring, digital transactions, and CCTV installations, we are eliminating leakages in revenue and accountability gaps,” said a BWSSB engineer.
BWSSB’s commitment
BWSSB chairperson Ram Prasath Manohar said the revival was being undertaken on a “war footing.”
“Our objective is to provide quality water to citizens round the clock with transparency and accountability. The price will be uniform across the city,” he said.
Conclusion
By digitising the kiosks, enforcing uniform pricing, and incentivising maintenance through a revenue-sharing model, BWSSB hopes to restore the once-crucial lifeline for Bengaluru’s households. The revival of these plants not only provides affordable safe drinking water but also reduces reliance on private water suppliers, offering residents a measure of security amid the city’s ongoing water crisis.