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Rainwater harvesting rules · sources up to 2023

Rainwater harvesting rules in Karnataka

In Bengaluru, the BWSSB (Amendment) Act requires rainwater harvesting on existing buildings on sites of 2,400 sq ft (60x40 ft) or more and on new buildings on sites of 1,200 sq ft (30x40 ft) or more. New buildings don't get a water connection without proof of RWH. Homes without RWH pay a penalty of 25% of the monthly water bill for the first three months and 50% after that; non-residential buildings pay 50% and then 100%.

Note: Sources disagree on the Act year (2009 vs 2011). Outside Bengaluru, no statewide mandate was confirmed; a 2011 report says one was only being considered. The sq m conversions are mine, not from the source.

Mandatoryfor new buildings
sites of 1,200 sq ft (about 111 sq m) and above for new buildings; 2,400 sq ft (about 223 sq m) and above for existing buildings (Bengaluru)where the rule starts
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage (Amendment) Act, 2009/2011; penalty regulations 2015the rule

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What the rule says

Applies toresidential, commercial, group housing
If you don'tBengaluru: residential 25% of the water bill for the first 3 months, then 50%; non-residential 50%, then 100%. Water and sewer connections are withheld for new buildings.
Rebates and subsidiesOlder CSE data mentions a 20% tax rebate for 5 years for individuals (status not confirmed)

City rules in Karnataka

Bengaluru (BWSSB)

Mandatory for new buildings on sites of 30x40 ft and above and existing buildings on 60x40 ft and above. Monthly water-bill penalty as above.

Sources

Rules change and cities add their own. Check with your municipal body or development authority before you build.

Rainwater harvesting cost in Karnataka

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Frequently asked questions

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Karnataka?

In Bengaluru, the BWSSB (Amendment) Act requires rainwater harvesting on existing buildings on sites of 2,400 sq ft (60x40 ft) or more and on new buildings on sites of 1,200 sq ft (30x40 ft) or more. New buildings don't get a water connection without proof of RWH. Homes without RWH pay a penalty of 25% of the monthly water bill for the first three months and 50% after that; non-residential buildings pay 50% and then 100%.

Which buildings need rainwater harvesting in Karnataka?

sites of 1,200 sq ft (about 111 sq m) and above for new buildings; 2,400 sq ft (about 223 sq m) and above for existing buildings (Bengaluru): residential, commercial, group housing.

What is the penalty for not having rainwater harvesting in Karnataka?

Bengaluru: residential 25% of the water bill for the first 3 months, then 50%; non-residential 50%, then 100%. Water and sewer connections are withheld for new buildings.

Is there a subsidy or rebate for rainwater harvesting in Karnataka?

Older CSE data mentions a 20% tax rebate for 5 years for individuals (status not confirmed)

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Bengaluru (BWSSB)?

Mandatory for new buildings on sites of 30x40 ft and above and existing buildings on 60x40 ft and above. Monthly water-bill penalty as above.

Rules in other states