 "Representational Image/PTI.")
In an effort to fight the water crisis in Bengaluru, the BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) Thursday began a drive to install tap aerators in buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants, industries, commercial establishments, and other public areas.
Through tap aerators, BWSSB aims to conserve water in the IT hub of India that has been running out of water.
On Wednesday, the board mandated the installation of aerators in taps used by bulk consumers in the “Silicon Valley” in India. The deadline for the installation has been set for March 31. This means the capital city of Karnataka only has 10 days for aerator installation.
Chairman of BWSSB, V Ram Prasath Manorhar has also appealed to all households to voluntarily utilise aerators in taps to save water amid the crisis.
What if you miss March 31 deadline for aerators installation?
In Bengaluru, if you miss installing aerators by March 31, BWSSB will install them in all establishments where they have not been installed.
Also Read: Bengaluru water crisis: Can use of aerators stop water wastage?
Who will bear the cost?
Manohar said installations of aerators by BWSSB after March 31 will be carried out by accredited plumbers whose expenses will be borne by the owners of the respective establishments.
But how will aerators in taps help?
Aerator is a device that is designed to regulate the flow of water from taps to prevent wastage. They easily fit into the spout or are attached to the end of water taps.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe BWSSB Chairman highlighted the benefit of using aerators in water conservation, saying it helps savings of 60-85 per cent.
These aerators are said to separate the single flow of water into many tiny streams and surround these with air. Due to this, there is less space for the water to pass through, but the introduction of air into the mix ensures that there is no perceivable reduction in water pressure.
The regulation to install aerators also applies to 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.
How much will water aerator cost?
Manohar said aerators for taps are affordable as they start from Rs 60 and also help reduce water consumption as well as bills.
Also Read: Bengaluru water crisis affecting people’s savings, experts warn it may lead to disease and illness
Aerators are ‘water tap masks’ akin to those people wore during COVID-19
Manohar likened aerators to ‘water tap masks’ and suggested that just as we all wore face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now imperative for everyone to use aerators on their taps to conserve water during this water crisis.
Bengaluru water crisis
Ahead of the full onset of summer, Bengaluru and most parts of Karnataka have been facing an acute water shortage with around 6,900 borewells across India’s IT hub already dried up. Rain deficit in the past monsoon season, declining groundwater levels, shrinking reservoirs are disrupting supply and adding to the worsening water crisis in the city.
With inputs from agencies
Umang Sharma is a media professional with over 12 years of experience. Crafting compelling content and using storytelling techniques are his strengths. His interest lies in national, global, political news and events.