You received a BWSSB notice. Or your apartment association got one. Or you're building a new house and your contractor mentioned rainwater harvesting is now mandatory. Whatever brought you here โ this guide answers everything clearly.
Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Bangalore?
Yes. BWSSB mandates rainwater harvesting for all plots of 1,200 sq ft (30x40) and above. Non-compliance attracts fines of โน500โโน5,000 per month plus potential disconnection of water supply connection.
Who Must Comply with BWSSB RWH Rules?
| Property Type | Plot Size | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Independent house / villa | 1,200 sq ft (30x40) and above | โ Yes |
| Apartment complex | 20 units and above | โ Yes |
| Commercial building | All sizes | โ Yes |
| Independent house | Below 1,200 sq ft | Encouraged, not mandatory |
| Small apartment (under 20 units) | Any | Encouraged, not mandatory |
What are the BWSSB Fines for Non-Compliance?
BWSSB enforces RWH compliance through two mechanisms:
- Monthly penalty: โน500โโน5,000 per month depending on property size and previous notices
- Water connection disconnection: For persistent non-compliance, BWSSB can disconnect your water supply connection โ a far more serious consequence
The fines are charged on top of your regular water bill. They accumulate monthly until compliance is achieved.
What Counts as a Valid RWH System Under BWSSB Rules?
BWSSB accepts two types of RWH systems:
Option 1 โ Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (Most Common)
Rainwater collected from the terrace/roof is filtered and stored in a tank or directed to recharge groundwater. Components required:
- Gutters/drain channels on the roof
- First flush diverter (removes first dirty rain)
- Filter unit (sand + gravel or readymade)
- Storage tank OR recharge pit
Option 2 โ Ground Water Recharge Pit
Rainwater is directed into a recharge pit that replenishes groundwater. Simpler to install but not suitable for all soil types.
How Much Does BWSSB-Compliant RWH Cost in Bangalore?
| Property Type | System Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30x40 independent house | Basic rooftop + recharge pit | โน15,000โโน25,000 |
| 40x60 villa | Full rooftop + storage tank | โน25,000โโน45,000 |
| Apartment complex (20 units) | Complete rooftop system | โน80,000โโน1,50,000 |
| Commercial building | Custom design | โน1,50,000+ |
Free site inspection included. BWSSB compliance certificate provided after installation.
How to Get BWSSB Compliance Certificate
- Install a BWSSB-approved RWH system
- Get inspection from BWSSB engineer (we help coordinate this)
- Receive compliance certificate โ presented to BWSSB to stop penalties
- Keep certificate on record for future reference
LoklFix handles the entire process โ installation, documentation, and BWSSB coordination. You don't need to visit BWSSB offices.
Is There a Subsidy for RWH in Bangalore?
BWSSB and BBMP have offered subsidies in the past for RWH installations. Current subsidy status changes based on government policy โ call us at +91-8123083393 and we'll confirm the latest subsidy available for your property type.
Areas We Install RWH Systems in Bangalore
We install BWSSB-compliant rainwater harvesting systems across Bangalore โ Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, HSR Layout, Yelahanka, Electronic City, JP Nagar, Kannamangala, Devanahalli, and all surrounding areas.
BWSSB RWH โ Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the condition and whether it meets current BWSSB specifications. We'll inspect your existing system and tell you if it qualifies or needs upgrading.
Technically below the 20-unit threshold for mandatory compliance. However, if your plot size is 1,200 sq ft or above, plot-based rules apply. We'll confirm your specific situation during inspection.
Standard residential installation: 2โ3 days. Apartment complexes: 5โ7 days. We work around your schedule and minimise disruption.
With proper filtration and UV treatment, yes โ for indoor use. Most residential systems are used for gardening, toilet flushing, and groundwater recharge. Drinking use requires additional purification which we can add to the system.