Residents of Bengaluru's KSFC Layout in Lingarajapuram can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the source of foul-smelling, contaminated water plaguing their area has been identified. The culprit, unearthed by a robotic inspection conducted by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on Monday, is a dangerous combination of a severely corroded 40-year-old water pipeline and a leaking sewage connection from an old house.
Robotic Probe Uncovers a Decades-Old Problem
The investigation was launched after numerous residents, particularly along 3rd B Main Road, reported a persistent foul odour from their tap water and a worrying rise in water-borne illnesses over recent weeks. The BWSSB deployed a robotic camera into the underground network, and the footage revealed a grim picture. The existing cast iron (CI) drinking water pipeline was found to be heavily rusted and corroded. Simultaneously, sewage was leaking from a nearby house connection, seeping into the compromised water line and causing the contamination.
Engineers on site explained that the sewage leak originated from one of the oldest houses in the layout. Its connection was made of galvanised iron (GI) pipe, a material common decades ago but now highly susceptible to corrosion. With both the sewage and water pipelines laid side-by-side, the rusted GI pipe became the entry point for waste into the drinking water supply.
Immediate Action and Resident Advisory
Following the findings, the BWSSB immediately began work to replace the ageing cast iron main pipeline on 3rd B Main Road with new, more durable ductile iron (DI) pipes. BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar confirmed the details to TOI, stating, "The pipeline is around 40 years old and that is how the mix-up occurred. I immediately instructed my team to remove the existing pipeline and replace it with new ones." He acknowledged the city has multiple such ageing pipelines that will be addressed in a phased manner.
The board has also advised over 30 houses in the affected stretch to proactively replace their individual GI house connection pipes while the main work is underway. This, they stated, is to avoid repeated road-cutting for future repairs and prevent re-contamination. However, residents were informed that the cost of replacing these private connection pipes would have to be borne by them.
Resident Concerns and Temporary Relief via Tankers
While the repair work is progress, residents have raised valid concerns about the lack of proactive infrastructure monitoring. Sanjeev Kumar, a local resident, questioned, "How are residents expected to know how old these pipes are or when they need replacement? BWSSB must carry out periodic checks, at least for drinking water lines." He added that while he is changing his connection to avoid health risks, the onus of identification should not fall on citizens.
During this critical repair period, the BWSSB's ‘Sanchari Cauvery’ mobile tanker service has been a game-changer, preventing a full-blown water crisis. Since Friday, the board has been supplying free Cauvery water to affected households, provided they first clean and disinfect their contaminated water sumps. An engineer at the site said the main pipeline replacement is expected to be completed by Tuesday evening, after which fresh Cauvery water will be released. BWSSB has assured that tanker supply will continue until clean water reliably flows through the new network.
