Bangalore UFW Project Expands to Vasanthnagar

Construction work is underway on a narrow urban street as part of a new UFW project

BENGALURU: After nearly a decade of efforts to curb water wastage, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) Unaccounted for Water (UFW) project has finally reached the lanes of Vasanthnagar. Launched in 2019, the initiative aims to bring down the city’s UFW levels by addressing leakage, illegal connections, and faulty water meters.

According to the project's contractor, Bengaluru's UFW level, which once stood alarmingly high, has now been reduced to 30%. The ultimate goal is to bring this figure down to the targeted 16% and eventually eliminate UFW altogether. The project involves conducting surveys, setting up District Metering Areas (DMAs), and implementing measures such as replacing old and corroded pipes, fixing leaks, and improving water metering systems.

Currently, 12 workers are engaged in the Vasanthnagar phase of the project, working for 8 to 10 hours daily from 10 AM to 6 or 7 PM. Despite prior intimation to residents about the construction work, complaints about noise and disruptions have been reported. However, officials maintain that public notifications were issued well in advance.

The BWSSB’s strategy involves the establishment of 26 DMAs, with one installed for every 25,000 connections. These DMAs play a crucial role in monitoring water flow and identifying leakages or unauthorized usage. Technical supervisors working on the project have emphasized that these monitoring systems allow for more accurate detection of leaks and illegal connections, leading to quicker interventions.

Bangalore’s rapid urban expansion has placed immense pressure on its water supply, making the reduction of UFW crucial. Unaccounted-for water is the difference between the total water supplied and what actually reaches consumers, often lost due to leaks, unauthorized taps, or outdated infrastructure. While a significant portion of the city’s water still goes to waste, BWSSB officials highlight that the situation is far better than it was a decade ago, thanks to large-scale pipeline replacements and technological advancements.

In addition to pipeline repairs, the BWSSB has also intensified its crackdown on illegal water connections. Over 30,000 unauthorized connections have been identified and regularized, with a 2022 drive alone removing 4,500 bypass connections.

With the ongoing UFW project, authorities are hopeful that Bengaluru’s water management system will become more efficient, ensuring a more sustainable supply for the city’s growing population. The success of this project also aligns with larger initiatives such as the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, which aims to increase water availability for the city.

As the project makes progress in Vasanthnagar, residents can expect better water supply management in the future, though temporary inconveniences due to construction work remain a challenge.

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