Bengaluru residents face rising water tanker costs

Bengaluru residents are facing rising costs for water tankers as summer temperatures soar. Many areas, like Hennur, depend heavily on these tankers for their water supply. In Hennur, about 60 percent of water needs are met by tankers, and prices can vary significantly across the city. According to reports, a 6,000-litre water tanker costs between Rs 600 and Rs 650. A larger 12,000-litre tanker is priced around Rs 1,400. If tankers need to travel more than 2 to 3 kilometers for delivery, an extra charge of Rs 100 applies. Tanker suppliers usually make around eight deliveries each day. As temperatures rise, the demand for water increases. In Hennur, residents often rely on tankers for up to 90 percent of their water during the summer. Some local groups have requested borewells, with one borewell currently supplying about 40 percent of the area's needs. Residents pay around 10 paise per litre for tanker water. In places like Horamavu Agara, high-quality water can cost up to Rs 1,000 per tanker. Households with three members typically need four to five tankers of water each month. The price also varies in Whitefield, where costs range from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,200 depending on the water’s source and quality. Despite the growing dependence on tankers, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) does not have the authority to regulate water tanker prices.