Hyderabad water tankers found wasting drinking water during transportation will face a Rs 5,000 fine from November 1, 2026, under orders issued by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). The board has also warned that a tanker’s registration will be cancelled if it repeats the violation.
HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy issued the orders to officials on October 24 after the board found that some tankers were being filled beyond their capacity. Other tankers were operating without lids or with lids that were not properly closed, allowing drinking water to spill onto roads during transportation.
The board said the water spilling from tankers was causing inconvenience to motorists and creating potential safety hazards on city roads. The action will apply to tankers found wasting water while carrying supplies from HMWSSB filling stations.
Under the directions, tankers with leaks, missing lids or improperly closed lids will not be allowed to fill water until the defects are rectified. Filling station managers and other officials have been instructed to inspect tankers before permitting them to load water.
The measures place responsibility on both tanker owners and drivers to prevent wastage during transportation. HMWSSB has directed its officials to implement the guidelines strictly and ensure that tankers comply with the requirements before leaving filling stations.
The board has also asked tanker associations to create awareness among their members and cooperate with the enforcement process. HMWSSB said tanker operators must conserve drinking water during transportation and warned that negligence would not be tolerated.
The penalty and inspection requirements come as the board seeks to prevent avoidable loss of treated drinking water in transit. The new rules will take effect on November 1, 2026, with repeat violations carrying the additional consequence of registration cancellation.
