Urban water use in Bangalore, India

Abstract

This research examines urban water use in developing countries. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state in South India, is one of the rapidly growing cities in Asia, and the water resources development and the distribution of water within the city are examined here as a case study. Large-scale, continuous growth of commerce and industry in and a round the city has accelerated the population growth of Bangalore in the last few decades ; this was made possible due to the continuous development of water sources in the city. In the beginning, the city relied on the Arakavathy River by developing dams on the river. As this source became insufficient for the developing city, the Cauvery River, one of the major rivers of South India, was tapped in the next stage of the development of city water sources. The Cauvery River is 98 km distant from the city, and the altitude of this source is about 500 m lower than that of Bangalore. With regard to water distribution to users in the ci ty, however, it is insufficient and uncertain. water distribution at the receiving end is effected by setting up sumps and overhead tanks constructed at the cost of the owners. There are also private water supply companies that supply water by tankers to consumers at fixed charges. Because the Cauvery River is far from the city and at a lower altitude, it requires a higher cost to pump the water from the source to the city, and this is reflected in the higher water charges that users pay for water. Most factories, hospitals, hotels, and other commercial establishments in the city use the private water supply companies or set up their own wells because of the high water charges and insufficient supply ; they make a double investment for securing water. Due to the revision of the water charges, low-income people are required to pay more than before. Also, those who have no contract with the water supply board, like squatters, are restricted in the amount of water they receive. Especially in developing countries, it is essential to consider the conditions of low-income groups in the questions concerning the provision of the minimum amount of water needed for living.