Several units, especially in the Peenya industrial belt, said the revised billing has added fresh financial pressure at a difficult time for manufacturers.

Peenya Industries Association president Danappa DP said many businesses have received significantly higher bills, though the increase has not been uniform.

Some units reportedly noticed the rise over the past three months, while others faced higher charges only recently.

Industrial representatives said sanitary charges earlier depended on water usage, but some bills now reflect fixed charges.

One industrial unit owner claimed the sanitary charge in his bill jumped from ₹650 last month to ₹5,000 this month.

Owners argue many factories generate limited sewage and mainly maintain staff restrooms, making such charges difficult to justify.

Manufacturers said the latest billing increase comes when industries are already coping with higher electricity tariffs, export-related burdens and global market uncertainties.

They warned that added utility costs could affect smaller units and employment-linked sectors.

Sources in the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board said the revised sanitary charges were approved during the tariff update in April 2025 and are now being implemented.

Officials reportedly said industries with built-up areas above 1,000 square metres were billed ₹5,000, though the board later considered reducing it to ₹2,500.

A formal revised order is said to be pending.

BWSSB Chairman Ramprasath Manohar V said the matter would be reviewed and corrective action examined if required.

Industries are now hoping for quick clarification and fair billing.