Water scarcity: Bengaluru water board mandates installation of aerators in taps

Speaking at a meeting with the Bengaluru City Plumbers Association, Manohar stressed the pivotal role of aerators in water conservation, citing potential savings of 60-85 per cent

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) mandated the installation of aerators in taps for bulk users by March 31 to reduce water wastage amid scarcity.

An aerator serves as a device designed to regulate the flow of water from taps to prevent wastage. “It is now mandatory for apartments, commercial establishments, industries, luxury hotels, restaurants, and public spaces to install aerators in their taps." BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar, in a statement, said on March 19.  He also appealed to all households to voluntarily utilise them as well.

Manohar outlined the timeline for implementation, stating, "From March 21 to 31, a voluntary 10-day window is provided for aerator installation.After the March 31 deadline, BWSSB will install aerators in all establishments where they have not been installed. These installations will be carried out by accredited plumbers, with the expenses borne by the owners of the respective establishments".

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He urged citizens to voluntarily adopt aerators with an official order that will be put out on March 20.  This regulation will apply for all taps designated for cleaning purposes, including those found in handwashing sinks, toilets, and taps intended for hand and foot washing in public areas such as malls, restaurants, and offices.

Speaking at a meeting with the Bengaluru City Plumbers Association, the BWSSB Chairman stressed the pivotal role of aerators in water conservation, citing potential savings of 60-85 per cent. He called for voluntary compliance from the public with licensed plumbers ready to assist as needed.

Encouraging homeowners to embrace aerators, Manohar highlighted their affordability, starting from Rs 60, and the substantial reduction in water consumption and bills.

He likened aerators to 'water tap masks' and suggested that just as we all wore masks during the pandemic, it's now imperative for everyone to use aerators on their taps to conserve water during this water crisis.

Manohar acknowledged the role of 1,500 licensed plumbers and revealed plans for their training from March 20 to promote awareness and facilitate aerator installations in buildings. Reiterating the mandatory nature of aerator installations, he underscored the collective effort to promote water-efficient practices.

Aerator installation has commenced at BWSSB's headquarters, with plans for wider implementation. "Mandatory installations will be enforced from March 21 onwards, ensuring a concerted effort to conserve water," Manohar said in a statement.

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