Focus on treated water reuse, STP management, community awareness and better access to drinking water. Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF) met with Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Chairperson, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)and team, on 28 July 2026 to discuss areas of collaboration towards improving Bengaluru’s water security. The meeting focused on some of the key water-related challenges faced by apartment communities and the larger opportunities for Bengaluru to make better use of its existing water resources. BAF, which represents more than 1,500 apartment communities and over 3.6 lakh households, shared several initiatives and areas where stronger collaboration with BWSSB could help. One of the key areas discussed was the reuse of treated used water (TUW). With more than 3,000 decentralised STPs in the city and an estimated treatment capacity of 650–700 MLD, Bengaluru has a significant opportunity to use treated water for purposes where potable water is not required. At present, apartment communities already reuse treated water for activities such as toilet flushing, landscaping, common-area cleaning and vehicle washing. There is scope to increase this further and, at the same time, develop opportunities to use treated water outside individual communities. BAF and BWSSB discussed the possibility of expanding treated-water use in parks, industries, construction and other non-potable applications. This can help reduce the dependence on fresh Cauvery water and groundwater for uses that do not require drinking-quality water.
Taking treated water beyond apartment boundaries: A major opportunity is to connect apartment communities generating treated water with nearby users who require water for non-potable purposes. BAF highlighted the treated-water-to-parks initiative in Yelahanka as one such example. The 90-day pilot, supported by KSPCB and executed by WELL Labs with participation from 10 apartment communities, demonstrated how treated water from apartment STPs can potentially be used in nearby public spaces. There is scope to build on such pilots and explore similar models for parks, medians and dust suppression, as well as for industries and construction activities. The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing localised water networks or micro-grid clusters, where treated water from apartment communities and other sources could be connected to nearby demand centres. Hebbal/Yelahanka has been identified for such an exercise, while the Peenya industrial water system was discussed as an example of a possible model.
Creating a viable ecosystem for treated water: For treated-water reuse to become more widespread, there also needs to be a reliable and practical model for both suppliers and users. The BAF presentation highlighted the potential for apartment communities with STPs to utilise or monetise surplus treated water. The existing policy framework also provides for apartments to sell surplus treated water, and BAF and BWSSB have discussed promoting treated used water at ₹8 per KL. A stronger ecosystem for treated water can benefit both sides. Apartment communities can find productive uses for surplus treated water, while parks, industries and other users can access an alternative source for non-potable requirements.
Strengthening the Green Star Challenge: Another area discussed was the Green Star Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging better water-management practices among buildings. The first Green Star Challenge, conducted in 2024, had more than 480 participants, with apartment communities forming the majority. Buildings are assessed on their water-management practices and receive a rating from one to five stars. BAF proposed that the initiative could be institutionalised as a recurring programme, potentially once every two years. This would allow apartment communities to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement and work towards better water-management standards over time. The initiative could also provide opportunities for recognition and incentives for communities that demonstrate good practices.
Awareness and capacity building: Water sustainability also depends on how effectively communities manage the systems already available to them. BAF discussed capacity-building initiatives through BAF Parihara, including sessions on rainwater harvesting, water conservation and effective STP management. Training for STP operators, including the possibility of working with EMPRI, was also discussed. There was also discussion around public outreach and awareness programmes to help residents better understand water conservation, government initiatives and the safe reuse of treated water. BAF's proposed public lecture series on sustainable living and water sustainability is intended to bring practical, research-backed information closer to apartment communities and residents.
Improving access to drinking water: While promoting treated water for non-potable applications, BAF also raised the need to improve access to drinking water for apartment communities.
The Sanchari Kaveri (Kaveri on Wheels) initiative was discussed as an important support mechanism, particularly for communities that require drinking water through tanker supply. BAF highlighted the need to explore longer-term arrangements that can provide greater reliability to apartment communities. The objective is to ensure that available potable water is used efficiently for drinking and other essential requirements, while treated water is increasingly used wherever potable water is not necessary.
Working together for a water-secure Bengaluru: The meeting provided an opportunity for BAF and BWSSB to discuss practical areas where government agencies and apartment communities can work together. Bengaluru has already invested significantly in decentralised STP infrastructure. The next step is to make better use of the treated water being generated and create practical linkages between apartment communities and potential users across the city. This will require coordination between BWSSB, BAF, GBA, KSPCB, apartment communities, industries, institutions and other stakeholders. Successful pilots can provide the basis for wider implementation. BAF looks forward to continuing its engagement with BWSSB on treated water reuse, STP performance, water conservation, community awareness and drinking-water access.
The larger objective is simple: to make better use of the water Bengaluru already has, reduce unnecessary dependence on potable water for non-potable needs, and encourage apartment communities to become active partners in building a more water-resilient city.
Key takeaways: More treated water reuse: Expand safe reuse in apartments and explore use in parks, industries, construction and other non-potable applications. Connect communities to users: Develop practical models for supplying surplus treated water from apartment STPs to nearby users. Strengthen Green Star Challenge: Build a recurring framework to encourage better water-management practices. Build community capacity: Increase awareness and training on rainwater harvesting, conservation and STP management. Improve drinking-water access: Explore longer-term support through Sanchari Kaveri for apartment communities.
BAF and BWSSB will continue to explore these areas of collaboration with the shared objective of strengthening Bengaluru's water security. About BAF: Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF) is a federation of 1,500+ Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOA) and Residents Welfare Associations (RWA) bringing communities together to learn, collaborate, share experiences and collectively address the challenges of apartment living.
If your apartment association is not yet a BAF member, we invite you to join the growing network of communities working together for better governance, stronger representation and a more sustainable future.
For membership:
🌐 Membership: baf.org.in/new_membership
📞 Phone or WhatsApp: +91 7618798081
Taking treated water beyond apartment boundaries: A major opportunity is to connect apartment communities generating treated water with nearby users who require water for non-potable purposes. BAF highlighted the treated-water-to-parks initiative in Yelahanka as one such example. The 90-day pilot, supported by KSPCB and executed by WELL Labs with participation from 10 apartment communities, demonstrated how treated water from apartment STPs can potentially be used in nearby public spaces. There is scope to build on such pilots and explore similar models for parks, medians and dust suppression, as well as for industries and construction activities. The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing localised water networks or micro-grid clusters, where treated water from apartment communities and other sources could be connected to nearby demand centres. Hebbal/Yelahanka has been identified for such an exercise, while the Peenya industrial water system was discussed as an example of a possible model.
Creating a viable ecosystem for treated water: For treated-water reuse to become more widespread, there also needs to be a reliable and practical model for both suppliers and users. The BAF presentation highlighted the potential for apartment communities with STPs to utilise or monetise surplus treated water. The existing policy framework also provides for apartments to sell surplus treated water, and BAF and BWSSB have discussed promoting treated used water at ₹8 per KL. A stronger ecosystem for treated water can benefit both sides. Apartment communities can find productive uses for surplus treated water, while parks, industries and other users can access an alternative source for non-potable requirements.
Strengthening the Green Star Challenge: Another area discussed was the Green Star Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging better water-management practices among buildings. The first Green Star Challenge, conducted in 2024, had more than 480 participants, with apartment communities forming the majority. Buildings are assessed on their water-management practices and receive a rating from one to five stars. BAF proposed that the initiative could be institutionalised as a recurring programme, potentially once every two years. This would allow apartment communities to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement and work towards better water-management standards over time. The initiative could also provide opportunities for recognition and incentives for communities that demonstrate good practices.
Awareness and capacity building: Water sustainability also depends on how effectively communities manage the systems already available to them. BAF discussed capacity-building initiatives through BAF Parihara, including sessions on rainwater harvesting, water conservation and effective STP management. Training for STP operators, including the possibility of working with EMPRI, was also discussed. There was also discussion around public outreach and awareness programmes to help residents better understand water conservation, government initiatives and the safe reuse of treated water. BAF's proposed public lecture series on sustainable living and water sustainability is intended to bring practical, research-backed information closer to apartment communities and residents.
Improving access to drinking water: While promoting treated water for non-potable applications, BAF also raised the need to improve access to drinking water for apartment communities.
The Sanchari Kaveri (Kaveri on Wheels) initiative was discussed as an important support mechanism, particularly for communities that require drinking water through tanker supply. BAF highlighted the need to explore longer-term arrangements that can provide greater reliability to apartment communities. The objective is to ensure that available potable water is used efficiently for drinking and other essential requirements, while treated water is increasingly used wherever potable water is not necessary.
Working together for a water-secure Bengaluru: The meeting provided an opportunity for BAF and BWSSB to discuss practical areas where government agencies and apartment communities can work together. Bengaluru has already invested significantly in decentralised STP infrastructure. The next step is to make better use of the treated water being generated and create practical linkages between apartment communities and potential users across the city. This will require coordination between BWSSB, BAF, GBA, KSPCB, apartment communities, industries, institutions and other stakeholders. Successful pilots can provide the basis for wider implementation. BAF looks forward to continuing its engagement with BWSSB on treated water reuse, STP performance, water conservation, community awareness and drinking-water access.
The larger objective is simple: to make better use of the water Bengaluru already has, reduce unnecessary dependence on potable water for non-potable needs, and encourage apartment communities to become active partners in building a more water-resilient city.
Key takeaways: More treated water reuse: Expand safe reuse in apartments and explore use in parks, industries, construction and other non-potable applications. Connect communities to users: Develop practical models for supplying surplus treated water from apartment STPs to nearby users. Strengthen Green Star Challenge: Build a recurring framework to encourage better water-management practices. Build community capacity: Increase awareness and training on rainwater harvesting, conservation and STP management. Improve drinking-water access: Explore longer-term support through Sanchari Kaveri for apartment communities.
BAF and BWSSB will continue to explore these areas of collaboration with the shared objective of strengthening Bengaluru's water security. About BAF: Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF) is a federation of 1,500+ Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOA) and Residents Welfare Associations (RWA) bringing communities together to learn, collaborate, share experiences and collectively address the challenges of apartment living.
If your apartment association is not yet a BAF member, we invite you to join the growing network of communities working together for better governance, stronger representation and a more sustainable future.
For membership:
🌐 Membership: baf.org.in/new_membership
📞 Phone or WhatsApp: +91 7618798081
