Every day, on an average 34 per cent of drinking water is wasted because of  pipeline leakage, its infrastructure and rising cases of water thefts in Bangalore. In a city which is already facing water crunch, is it viable or can we afford to waste so much of water is the question asked by many. On the occasion of World Water Day, BWSSB chief engineer (Cauvery project) Narayana spoke exclusively to City Express on the future plans to conserve water for both the environment and future generations.

After the launch of project, 'unaccounted water flow'  in south division, BWSSB is hoping to expand the project to central and west division.  Narayana said, "Tenders have been called and work will soon begin in these two divisions as well."

As for south division, the work has been tendered to a private firm at a cost of Rs 173 crores and work is under process. Currently, there are one lakh five thousand household connections in south division and leaking pipelines and faulty metres have been the major contributor of water wastage. 

Narayana adds, "We will be replacing 140-145 km of leaking pipelines which are 4 inches and above. Besides, faulty metres also plays a major role in water leakage. Initially, a survey will be conducted in the entire area and it will be divided into 80 to 90 district meter areas. First the bulk metres will be fixed.  The board will install boundary valves, step valves, replace defective valves and faulty meters and install pressure and flow monitoring points in order to check the leakage; finally installing electronic district meters to a central system of checking. The difference of consumption will be monitored on a daily basis and that's how we will be able to bring down the leakage from 34 per cent to 16 per cent. Even if we can bring it to 20 per cent, it will be a great achievement." Moreover, illegal and unauthorised metres will also be identified and owners will be penalised.

Interestingly, if the leakage comes down to 16 per cent or 20 per cent, BWSSB will get the pay back of the money invested, in four and half years. What is more interesting is the fact that BWSSB will give incentives to the firm if the leakage comes below 26 per cent. The project will continue for six years. As for central division, the budget estimated is Rs 100 crores and for the west division, it is Rs 155 crores.

There has been a lot of criticism that BWSSB has been facing for untreated sewage water. Currently, BWSSB has 14 sewage water treatment plant and under the  Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project, seven more sewage treatment plant will be constructed.

The treated water is let out in the open spaces of Bangalore. Commenting on the drive, Narayana said, "There is lot of skepticism among the people of Bangalore to use sewage treated water for portable and non portable purposes. This will eventually happen, but we have a long way to go."