Why Open Wells?

Open wells go back to the beginning of civilization. For centuries, open wells had their places of pride in houses, colleges, behind institutions, in temple premises, and in public squares. They can be used to recharge groundwater by directing the rainwater and surface run-off deep into the ground. An open well is a cheap and easy way to recharge a dry borewell that cost lakhs to dig. By directing water into the ground, the open well helps to increase the water table, which often leads to a water level that an old borewell can now reach. A dry asset, no more! If you don't have an existing borewell, open wells are a great way to catch water in the rainy season. This water can be used for irrigating, flushing, and even hand washing. In addition to giving you water today, rejuvinating the water table is insurance for future water issues.

The Law

BBMP Bye-Laws (2003) and BWSSB Amendment Act (2009)

• Existing buildings of 2400 ft2 and above and proposed buildings of 1200 ft2 and above should build a Rainwater Harvesting System (RHS)
• Open wells should have a minimum depth of 6m (18 ft) and a minimum diameter of 1m (3 ft)
• Borewells should have a pit with 3m (10ft ) depth and 1m (3 ft) diameter filled with stone aggregate and sand around it
• Plan for 10L or more per sqm ( 10sqft)

Penalties

BWSSB Amendment for Regulations (2015)

• Residential buildings: additional charges of 25% of total water and sanitary bill will be levied for first 3 months and thereafter 50% of total water and sanitary bill until the RWH is provided
• Non residential buildings: additional charges of 50% of total water and sanitary charges for first 3 months and thereafter additional charges of 100% of total water and sanitary charges till the RWH is provided

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