Bengaluru residents have been urged to make preparations now: a 60-hour water supply disruption is scheduled from 15 to 17 September, coupled with a 6-hour power outage on 16 September, both due to maintenance work.
What’s Happening with the Water Supply?
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will carry out crucial maintenance that will affect water availability in several parts of the city.
- Phase I shut-down: The Cauvery Stage V pumping stations will be turned off from 1:00 am on 15 September until 1:00 pm on 17 September, a full 60-hour interruption.
- Phase II shut-down: Stages I to IV will undergo a 24-hour suspension of service from 6:00 am on 16 September to 6:00 am on 17 September.
These phases will significantly impact areas that depend entirely or mostly on Cauvery water. The BWSSB Chairman, Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, has said these repairs are essential to maintain long-term reliability and to avoid unplanned failures in water supply.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced efforts to enhance water access for nearby villages. The state government is exploring additional water sources including the Shimsha and Arkavathi rivers, in a bid to meet growing demand.
The Scheduled Power Outage
On 16 September, Bengaluru will experience a 6-hour power cut for maintenance. This is the latest in a series of power disruptions following cuts on 13 and 14 September.
What You Must Do Now
To mitigate inconvenience, residents should consider the following:
- Store sufficient clean drinking water ahead of the water supply shutdown.
- Use water wisely during the disruption period. Avoid wastage.
- Plan for the power cut – keep essential devices charged, and if possible, have backup arrangements.
Bengaluru’s authorities have communicated clearly: these interruptions remain unavoidable to ensure better service in the future. While the short-term disruption may be tough, the long-term benefits – more reliable water supply and fewer surprise outages – could be considerable.
