The Karnataka government has introduced a new groundwater policy that could directly affect homeowners, especially in urban areas like Bangalore, where many rely on borewells for daily water needs.
Under the revised rules, there are now official charges for using more than 25 cubic metres of groundwater per day. This means apartment complexes, gated communities, and even individual homes could see a spike in monthly maintenance costs, stricter water limits, and new compliance requirements.
If you’re planning to buy a home or already live in one that depends on borewell water, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your water bills and day-to-day living.
What Has Changed in Karnataka’s Groundwater Policy?
Until recently, borewell water use in Karnataka, especially in cities like Bangalore was largely unregulated. But from July 2025, that’s no longer the case.
Here’s a quick before-and-after view:
The 25 m³/day exemption remains but any usage above that is now charged at ₹1-₹35 per cubic metre depending on volume.
Why the 25 m³ Limit Matters for Apartment Complexes?
Under the new rules, the government allows 25 cubic metres (or 25,000 litres) of borewell water per day for free. Sounds like a lot? Not really.
Let’s do the math.
An average apartment in Bangalore uses around 600 to 800 litres of water per day.So, 25,000 litres/day can only cover about 30 to 35 homes.
If your apartment complex has more than that, which most do, you’ll likely cross the limit. This triggers mandatory metering, reporting and payment of groundwater charges
Result: Increased operational costs for RWAs and higher monthly maintenance bills for residents.
What Does This Mean for Homebuyers and Residents?
Whether you're already living in an apartment or planning to buy one soon, here’s what you need to know:
1. Maintenance Bills Will Likely Go Up
If your apartment community uses more than 25,000 litres of borewell water per day (which most large societies do), here’s what happens:
- The society has to install digital water meters
- Monthly groundwater charges will apply
- You may see a “water usage” line item added to your maintenance bill
2. Developers May Add a ‘Water Compliance Premium’
Builders of new projects may:
- Market “NOC-ready borewells” and “metered water access” as premium features
- Increase apartment prices subtly to account for future compliance and metering costs
3. You’ll Pay More
If you're buying a new or under-construction apartment:
- You may already be paying more upfront as builders factor in these changes
- And once the project is operational, your monthly maintenance could be higher to account for borewell usage charges
4. Smart Water Projects Will Have an Edge
Going forward, projects with:
- Rainwater harvesting
- STP water reuse systems
- Smart water meters and conservation features
…will become more valuable. These reduce borewell use and help societies stay within the free water limit, which means lower long-term costs for residents.
Key Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask
Before booking an apartment in Karnataka, ask:
- How much water will the community consume daily?
- Will the project exceed the 25 m³ limit?
- Is the borewell NOC and digital metering already in place?
- What’s the split between BWSSB water, borewell water, and tanker water?
- Is STP water being reused for flushing and gardening?
Final Takeaway on Karnataka’s Groundwater Policy
If your apartment community uses more than 25,000 litres of groundwater a day, you’ll now need to install digital meters, start reporting your usage and pay for every extra litre. For most large societies in Bangalore, crossing that limit won’t take much. Even 35 flats can use up that quota quickly.
So what happens next?
Monthly maintenance could go up. Builders may start charging more upfront, especially for projects with borewells. And over time, water might become one of the most important things buyers consider while choosing a home.
This is already starting to happen. Projects with things like rainwater harvesting, treated water reuse and proper water planning are being seen as smarter and safer options.
At Propsoch, we speak to home buyers every day who are confused by changing rules or unsure what to ask about things like water or maintenance. That’s exactly why we’re here, to help you make better decisions with the true facts in hand.
If you’re planning to buy a home in Bangalore and want to know how this new groundwater policy could affect your decision, we’re here to help.
You can start by visiting www.propsoch.com and speak to our experts at Propsoch to get clear, unbiased guidance before you make a decision.
