Bengaluru is likely to face a comfortable drinking water situation in the summer of 2026. This comes after good rains in 2025 and significant progress in the Cauvery V Stage water project. "Fortunately, there have been good rains in 2025. The reservoirs of the Cauvery basin have sufficient water to provide for the city during the summer months," said V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairperson of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The Cauvery V Stage, started in October 2024, has already connected over 1.75 lakh users, using 400 million liters per day (MLD) out of the allocated 775 MLD for 3 lakh connections. This progress has eased the water crisis in the outer zones and 110 villages previously dependent on borewells and tankers. Dr. Manohar said, "New connections under V Stage have picked up pace, and that has eased the drinking water crisis in parts of the city most hit by a shortage in a dry year like 2024." As a result, many areas have less demand for water tankers. Ramesh Reddy, a tanker businessman in Mahadevapura, said, "We were a stop-gap arrangement before Cauvery water supply reached the area. Now, many apartment communities are slowly taking piped water supply. So, the demand is low." However, some parts still rely on borewells and tankers. The market cost of a 12,000-liter water tanker is about ₹1,200. BWSSB continues the Sanchari Cauvery scheme, supplying Cauvery water by tanker in areas not yet covered by Cauvery V Stage. Residents complain that the scheme’s price matches private tankers and delivery is often delayed. In 2025, a Sanchari Cauvery tanker cost ₹1,290. Price details for 2026 are not yet confirmed. The board has asked the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to study ground water levels for better planning. "The report is expected soon," said Dr. Manohar. Meanwhile, BWSSB has filled 40 city lakes with treated water over two years to boost groundwater. Water-saving efforts continue, with aerators installed in over 15 lakh public taps. This saves water worth ₹40 crore annually, sources added.