Hyderabad water tankers found wasting purified water will face a Rs 5,000 fine from November 1, while repeat offenders risk losing their registrations, according to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). The action follows reports of tankers losing water through broken or unsecured lids, leaks, faulty taps and overfilling during deliveries.
The board operates an estimated fleet of 1,200 to 1,500 tankers that supply water booked through Metro Customer Care. These vehicles include 5,000-litre tankers for domestic users, 10,000-litre tankers for commercial and bulk consumers, and tankers with capacities of 20,000 to 25,000 litres for heavy commercial supply. Residents pay prescribed tariffs for the deliveries, often after waiting several days for supply.
According to the report, each tanker can lose two to three litres on a trip because of unsecured lids, leaks or water escaping through faulty taps while vehicles brake, negotiate turns or cross speed breakers. With each tanker making around 10 to 12 trips a day, the cumulative wastage runs into thousands of litres, even though the water is treated and supplied at subsidised rates.
A senior HMWSSB official said the board supplies between 2 million and 4 million gallons of water daily in the Core Urban Region Economy area, in addition to regular piped-water supply. The reported tanker losses therefore occur within a system already relying on multiple delivery modes to meet demand across Hyderabad’s urban region.
The wastage also creates a direct service problem for consumers. Water spilled during transit can leave less water available for delivery into household sumps, while leaks on roads may create slippery surfaces and inconvenience motorists. The board’s “Every drop Counts” message has also come under pressure because the reported failures involve basic tanker equipment that is required to be maintained when licences are issued or renewed.
HMWSSB Managing Director K Ashok Reddy has directed the General Managers of the Operations and Maintenance divisions to enforce the rules strictly. Filling-station managers and in-charges have been instructed to check tankers for leaks and ensure that lids are properly secured before allowing them to load water.
Vehicles found to be defective will be barred from filling until the problems are repaired. The board has also asked tanker associations to cooperate with the enforcement measures. The Rs 5,000 penalty and the proposed cancellation of registrations for repeat offenders are scheduled to take effect from November 1.
