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| The Cauvery River in Srirangapatana, Mysuru. | Photo credit: The Hindu |
Freshwater, from the perspective of environment and ecology, refers to naturally occurring water with low salinity. Dissolved salts should be less than 1,000 ppm (parts per million).
So, basically, it's water from sources such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, glaciers, rain and snow.
It is freshwater that supports all forms of life, and it even influences local weather patterns.
Bengaluru, a fast-growing metropolis of about 14 million people, gets its freshwater primarily from two sources: the Cauvery River and groundwater.
CAUVERY RIVER
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board supplies around 1,450 million litres per day (MLD) of treated Cauvery water to the city.
Bengaluru, a fast-growing metropolis of about 14 million people, gets its freshwater primarily from two sources: the Cauvery River and groundwater.
CAUVERY RIVER
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board supplies around 1,450 million litres per day (MLD) of treated Cauvery water to the city.
This water is pumped from reservoirs located approximately 90 km from the city, costing the administration ₹3 crore daily.
The Cauvery Stage-V project is the latest one. It was completed last year and it added around 775 MLD.
The Cauvery Stage-V project is the latest one. It was completed last year and it added around 775 MLD.
However, with reservoirs in the Cauvery Basin at only 26% capacity in early 2025, following a weak 2024 monsoon, surface water availability is strained.
GROUNDWATER
Besides the Cauvery River, around 1,372 MLD is extracted from borewells across the city.
Last year, many areas that were dependent only on groundwater faced a shortage. The tables have dropped drastically, from around 100 feet decades ago to as deep as 1,800 feet in some areas.
Natural recharge rates are also very low, estimated at only 148-183 MLD, compared to the massive extraction rate.
With nearly 90% of the city's surface paved, the water infiltration is naturally very low.
LAKES
Bengaluru was once known for its numerous lakes, but today, fewer than 200 remain functional, and many are polluted or encroached upon. Water in only around 20 are said to be good.
GROUNDWATER
Besides the Cauvery River, around 1,372 MLD is extracted from borewells across the city.
Last year, many areas that were dependent only on groundwater faced a shortage. The tables have dropped drastically, from around 100 feet decades ago to as deep as 1,800 feet in some areas.
Natural recharge rates are also very low, estimated at only 148-183 MLD, compared to the massive extraction rate.
With nearly 90% of the city's surface paved, the water infiltration is naturally very low.
LAKES
Bengaluru was once known for its numerous lakes, but today, fewer than 200 remain functional, and many are polluted or encroached upon. Water in only around 20 are said to be good.
Lakes are important from the point of view of a healthy biodiversity and ecology.
WAY FORWARD
While Bengaluru does have freshwater sources, their availability is limited, unevenly distributed, and increasingly unsustainable.
WAY FORWARD
While Bengaluru does have freshwater sources, their availability is limited, unevenly distributed, and increasingly unsustainable.
Nothing alarming, but there is cause for concern, and urgent and comprehensive water-management strategies are needed.
- Rainwater harvesting improves infiltration, and it is mandatory according to law. Its implementation must be monitored properly.
- The capacity and efficiency of sewage treatment plants must be improved.
- Lakes need to be revived or restored and need to be protected from pollution and encroachment.
- Water conservation measures should become a way of life.
(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. The theme is environment)
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteUnquestionably water supports all life... but not just fresh water - although that is what keeps the human species alive. All sea (salt water) dwelling life might beg to argue the toss!
Your point regarding water as a service to the human population, however, is more than valid and it has long been a matter of debate as to how water may become the trading currency of the future. Even here in Scotland, generally blessed with water, there have been some concerns as the climate changes that we do not get the reservoirs as full as once they were. YAM xx
Boutrous Boutrous-Ghali once said next World War will be fought over water and not over politics. Recent World Bank report says water scarcity will lead to problems around the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to just take water for granted. Too many people can drain the water faster than it replenishes.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated to learn that camels can drink seawater without detrimental consequence. Regardless of that unrelated fact, I must admit your research never ceases to amaze me. Best wishes to you and yours!
ReplyDelete