Why is Bengaluru Facing a Water Crisis?

A leaking tap — Rising temperatures and invariable weather pattern have caused water shortage in the city

Highlights:

India's Silicon Valley and third-most populous city is facing serious water shortage
Climate change and people's behaviour are the major factors for such a dreadful situation
It is reported that Bengaluru is facing 500 million litres of water shortage per day

As the scorching Indian summer sets in, Bengaluru finds itself struggling with an unprecedented water crisis. The Chief Minister of Karnataka recently highlighted the severity of the situation, revealing a shortage of nearly 500 million litres of water per day.

The water shortage isn't confined to Bengaluru alone; the entire state of Karnataka, along with certain areas in neighbouring Maharashtra and Telangana, is experiencing similar challenges. Factors such as irregular rainfall patterns, rapid population growth, and depleting water resources are among the primary drivers behind this concerning issue. Now, let's look into the root causes of this crisis.

Shrinking Lakes

In 1962, Bengaluru boasted 262 lakes within the city. Lakes play a vital role in the urban ecosystem, serving as an essential source of drinking water, aiding in the recharge of groundwater, and assisting with flood control measures. However, now only 81 lakes exist in the city. However, rapid urbanization due to the software industry boom has led to encroachment on water bodies and their replacement with concrete structures. With a population of 1.23 crores, the remaining lakes simply can't meet the city's water needs.

Groundwater Depletion

The entire South India has a fractured, hard rock aquifer system, which differs from the aquifer systems found in the Northern regions. Bengalureans heavily rely on groundwater. According to Vimal Mishra, a Professor of Civil Engineering and Earth Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar, Bengaluru's rocky aquifer has limited water-holding capacity. Mishra further explains that while these aquifers can quickly deplete, they also have the potential for rapid recharge.

Last year, Bengaluru experienced below-normal rainfall, and the post-monsoon season did not meet expectations. As a result, the over-extraction of groundwater from borewells and inadequate water levels have contributed to a water crisis in the city. The residents also depend on the Cauvery River, however, it is situated far away from the city. However, this river is seasonal and dries up in February. In addition, it also costs around Rs 3 crores daily for pumping.

Distribution of Water Networks

Although Bengaluru has well-established water distribution networks, the infrastructure is ageing, with some systems dating back 70 to 100 years and showing signs of deterioration. The pipes are commonly corroded and rusted, leading to frequent leaks and damage from traffic pressure.

Additionally, there is unequal water distribution across different areas of the city. While some regions receive only 4 to 6 hours of water per day, those located closer to the pipes, particularly in the southern and western parts, enjoy better access to the water supply. Conversely, the northern part of the city often faces shortages and inadequate distribution.

Untreated Sewage Water

According to the Deccan report, a significant portion of sewage water remains untreated and is directly discharged into water bodies, resulting in poor water quality. The current sewage infrastructure is outdated and requires urgent repair. Moreover, the existing sewage network is inadequate to fulfil the needs of the city's residents. As highlighted by Down to Earth, lakes such as Hebbal, Nagavara, Dasarahalli, Lalbagh, and Vengaiah are experiencing dissolved oxygen levels below the permissible limit of 4mg/lt due to untreated effluents.

Solution for Bengaluru Water Crisis

Effective Water Consumption: The good side is that The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) sends monthly water bills to residents of Bangalore to encourage responsible water usage. In addition, it's important to regularly inspect taps and washrooms for leaks to prevent water wastage and promote further water conservation efforts. The Residents Welfare Association (RWA) have also imposed a ban on non-essential water usage activities like swimming pools and washing of cars. In addition, RWAs should also promote the setting up of the Rainwater Harvest System.

Proper Infrastructure: Residents are encouraged to advocate for their local authorities to repair damaged water pipes to prevent water wastage. Furthermore, they can also request improvements to the existing sewage and water distribution systems.

Awareness amongst the citizens: Citizens should also raise awareness in the younger generations about the lakes and wetlands of the city. There should also be awareness of protecting the interconnecting channels of these lakes. Moreover, disposing of any kind of waste should be discouraged, so that the sponges of the city, which are essential for recharge of groundwater, can be protected. The local authorities should also impose a ban on any kind of encroachments on other water bodies.

Recycling of Sewage: According to findings by the WELLLab, Bengaluru recycles only 33% of its water, leaving 24% untreated. This untreated effluent flows into lakes, leading to groundwater pollution. Veena Srinivasan from the WELL Lab emphasizes the critical need for sustainable water management and infrastructure improvements. By expanding wastewater treatment and recycling efforts in Bengaluru, we can reduce pressure on freshwater sources significantly.