Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has warned city homeowners of increased water tanker charges if they fail to install rainwater harvesting pits.

With delayed monsoons and plummeting groundwater levels, tanker demand has surged sharply. The board has issued alerts to property owners, especially those owning plots above 300 square yards, to ensure pits are in place.

Failure to comply will result in higher charges for booked water tankers, officials said. The decision is aimed at countering groundwater depletion and promoting sustainable recharge practices across the Greater Hyderabad area.

Compared to last July, tanker bookings in the city have jumped by 36%. Between July 1 and 14 this year, 86,520 tankers were booked, up from 63,724 during the same period in 2024—a rise of over 33,000 bookings.

The board currently operates around 1,135 tankers citywide. It reiterated that households without rainwater pits would be charged more going forward.