The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) made history on May 20, 2026, by becoming the first Indian water utility to secure top-five global recognition in three major categories at the Global Water Awards in Madrid, Spain. This achievement highlights Bengaluru’s innovative approach to urban water management through massive infrastructure projects and sustainable governance. The recognition places the city at the forefront of global efforts to achieve water security and sanitation for large urban populations.
Historic Achievement at the Global Water Summit 2026
The Global Water Summit 2026, held in Madrid, Spain, from May 18 to 20, 2026, brought together international water leaders, utilities, and technology experts to address global water scarcity. During the event, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was recognized as a top-five finalist across three prestigious categories. This marks the first time an Indian utility has achieved such broad global acclaim simultaneously.
Represented by Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar, the board’s recognition was largely attributed to its Five Pillars strategy. This comprehensive framework focuses on water conservation, wastewater recycling, indirect potable reuse, sustainable governance, and technological integration. The achievement highlights the transformation of Bengaluru’s water utility from a traditional service provider into a modern, data-driven organization capable of managing the needs of over 13 million residents.
Understanding the Three Award Categories
BWSSB’s performance was evaluated against hundreds of global utilities, with judges focusing on efficiency, innovation, and social impact. The board secured a position in the elite top five for the following categories:
Utility of the Year 2026
This category recognizes water utilities that have made the most significant contribution to the water sector over the last year. BWSSB was lauded for its digital transformation, including the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for smart leakage detection and the implementation of a centralized monitoring system to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW). This term refers to water that is lost before it reaches the customer through leaks or theft.
SDG-6 Champion of the Year
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. BWSSB’s inclusion as a top-five champion reflects its efforts in extending sewerage networks to newly added urban areas and its aggressive push for lake rejuvenation using tertiary treated water. The board has successfully filled over 30 parched lakes in Bengaluru with treated wastewater, recharging local groundwater levels.
Water Project of the Year: Cauvery Stage V
The Cauvery Stage V Drinking Water Project was recognized as one of the most impactful water infrastructure projects globally. This ₹4,336 crore project, funded partially by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is designed to provide 775 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of treated water to 110 peripheral villages integrated into the city limits. It involves pumping water from the Cauvery River and lifting it to a height of 450 meters to reach the city’s elevated topography.
Pioneering the Circular Water Economy
Bengaluru is the first Indian city to implement large-scale Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR), a process where treated wastewater is used to recharge groundwater aquifers or lakes before being extracted for final treatment and consumption. This approach is a core part of the city’s shift toward a circular water economy, where water is treated as a reusable asset rather than a one-time resource.
| Strategic Pillar | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Water Conservation | Rainwater harvesting and leak reduction |
| Wastewater Recycling | Tertiary treatment for industrial use |
| Reuse (IPR) | Recharging lakes and aquifers |
| Sustainability | Lake rejuvenation and groundwater management |
| Governance | Digital monitoring and consumer transparency |
By supplying ultra-pure treated water to industrial hubs like the Peenya Industrial Area and the Kempegowda International Airport, BWSSB has reduced the industrial demand for fresh river water. This ensures that the city’s limited Cauvery water supply is prioritized for domestic drinking needs.
About the Global Water Awards
The Global Water Awards are organized annually by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), a prominent research and analysis firm specializing in the international water market. Established in 2006, these awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in the water sector. They recognize excellence across the entire water cycle, including desalination, wastewater treatment, and urban water management.
The 2026 awards ceremony in Madrid saw participation from over 70 countries, highlighting the global scale of the competition. For an Indian utility like BWSSB to be shortlisted alongside major water companies from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Malaysia is a testament to the growing global recognition of India’s urban infrastructure reforms.
Key Takeaways
- The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was ranked among the top five globally in three categories at the 2026 Global Water Awards.
- The awards ceremony was held during the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain, between May 18 and 20.
- BWSSB was a finalist for Utility of the Year, SDG-6 Champion, and Water Project of the Year.
- The Cauvery Stage V project, recognized at the summit, provides 775 MLD of water to 110 peripheral villages in Bengaluru.
- The Global Water Awards were established in 2006 and are organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI).
- BWSSB was established in 1964 and is responsible for water supply and sewage management in the Bengaluru metropolitan area.
