A tenant in Bengaluru has taken to social media to express their frustration over an “exorbitantly high” water bill, with a post on Reddit quickly going viral and sparking a fierce debate. The resident, who shares their accommodation with one other person, shared a bill of approximately Rs 15,800 for a staggering 165,000 liters of water, a figure that has left social media users in disbelief.
In the post titled “My Landlord Slams Me with Exorbitant BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) Water Charges Every Month,” the user detailed their ordeal, stating that they and their flatmate, who are both often at work, consistently receive water bills around Rs 10,000. They also claimed that despite these high charges, they often face water shortages for a day or two every fortnight.
The post has generated a wave of reactions from fellow Bengaluru residents and others, with many questioning the validity of the bill. Multiple users pointed out that such a high consumption for a two-person household is “impossible” and advised the tenant to have the water meter checked or to contact the BWSSB.
“This bill is impossible, either there is air flowing into the meter continuously or something is really wrong with the meter reading person. Max bill for two people should not even cross 300,” one user commented. Another shared their own experience, “Even four-member families don’t get such huge bills. Something is wrong. Talk to your neighbours or people next door to see how much their water bills are coming to.”
Some users also speculated that the water might be being used for commercial purposes, while others advised the tenant to consider legal action or, more simply, to find a new place to live. The viral post has once again put a spotlight on the challenges and alleged exploitation faced by tenants in Bengaluru’s competitive rental market, particularly concerning utility bills and opaque charging practices.
