A homeowner in the city's Prakash Nagar has done exactly that, voluntarily installing four rainwater recharge pits beyond the mandatory requirement, with the borewell continuing to function even in peak summer.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has now showcased the initiative as a model for urban water conservation.

Officials say the initiative proves that rainwater harvesting is not just a regulatory formality for obtaining an Occupancy Certificate (OC), but a practical solution to improving groundwater levels and reducing future water scarcity.

Built more than what rules require

At the house in Moti Lal Nehru Nagar, Prakash Nagar Ward, property owner Vinod Sri Bhashyam voluntarily installed a rainwater harvesting system that exceeds statutory requirements.

Instead of constructing only the recharge structures needed for an Occupancy Certificate, the owner developed four recharge pits, each measuring 6 feet long, 4 feet wide and 6 feet deep.

Rainwater collected from the rooftop is channelled through dedicated pipelines into these pits, allowing it to seep back into the ground.

According to HMWSSB, the system is fully operational and effectively recharging groundwater.

Borewell continues to yield water

The property's borewell has remained functional even during the summer months, demonstrating the long-term benefits of systematic groundwater recharge.

Officials said the case is a practical example of how rainwater harvesting can improve groundwater availability, revive borewells and strengthen water security in urban neighbourhoods.

Water board urges citizens to follow suit

HMWSSB appealed to homeowners, apartment associations and commercial building owners to treat rainwater harvesting as an investment in future water security rather than merely a legal requirement.

The Board urged people to divert rooftop rainwater into recharge pits, injection wells or unused borewells instead of allowing it to flow into drains.

Such measures, officials said, help increase groundwater levels, improve borewell sustainability and reduce dependence on government water supply and private tankers during summer.

'Today's conservation is tomorrow's water security'

HMWSSB managing director Ashok Reddy called on citizens to voluntarily construct additional recharge pits beyond the minimum prescribed norms.

"Rainwater harvesting should not end with securing an Occupancy Certificate. Every additional recharge pit contributes to safeguarding water resources for future generations. Today's rainwater conservation is the foundation for tomorrow's water security," he said.

Apartment sees borewell yield improve after rain

The Water Board also highlighted the success of Uday Blossom Apartment in Gandhinagar.

After approaching HMWSSB over drinking water concerns, residents installed two rainwater harvesting systems with injection wells in the last week of May 2026 following technical guidance from the Board. Officials said even a few spells of rainfall significantly improved the apartment's borewell yield.

Residents across Hyderabad recognised

Ashok Reddy also appreciated several individuals and apartment communities that have voluntarily implemented rainwater harvesting systems across the city.

Those recognised include Kawal Kumar (Venkatagiri-Yousufguda), Ravinder Reddy (Ace Ratna Pearl Apartment, Rock Town Colony), Karunakar Reddy (Anuhar Purple Tunes, Manikonda), Pawan Kumar (CSR Classic Apartment, Bachupally), Ranga Rao (Bommarillu Residency, Kondapur), Lavakusha Reddy (Cooperative Bank Colony, Nagole), Srinivas (Aakruti Residency, Sanathnagar), Nageswara Rao (Gayathrinagar), Poornachander Rao (Hayathnagar) and Chinna Rao, who supported the installation of a rainwater harvesting system in a park at Srinagar Colony.

A model for water-secure Hyderabad

HMWSSB said the success stories across Hyderabad demonstrate that voluntary rainwater harvesting can significantly improve groundwater recharge, restore borewell productivity, ensure better water availability during summer and reduce dependence on water tankers.

The Board urged more residents to adopt similar measures to build a water-resilient Hyderabad.