The thirst for water in India is not only natural but also policy-oriented.
The growing reliance on bottled water in India is not just a story of changing consumer behavior, but also clearly points to deep-seated, multi-layered systemic problems in public water governance. Tap water, once considered a basic right for citizens and a state responsibility, is now becoming a symbol of distrust, insecurity, and inequality. From cities to towns and even rural areas, people are increasingly relying on plastic bottles for drinking. This trend not only increases the economic burden but also raises serious questions about the environment, social justice, and the concept of democratic governance.
The water crisis in modern India is often attributed to lack of rainfall, climate change, or a growing population. While all of these factors are important, the root cause of the popularity of bottled water lies much deeper than this. The real problem is that citizens’ trust in public water supply systems is steadily eroding. Doubts about the quality of tap water, lack of regular supply, and a lack of transparency have driven people to seek alternative sources. When the state fails to fulfill its basic responsibility, the market fills the void—often at a profit.
The use of bottled water has rapidly increased in urban India. In metropolitan cities, it has almost become a way of life. Large jars and bottles are a common sight in offices, schools, hospitals, and even government offices. This situation is ironic, as these cities boast the most developed water infrastructure. If, despite such facilities, citizens cannot drink safe tap water, it is a clear evidence of administrative failure. Poor plumbing conditions, mixing of sewage and drinking water lines, and lack of regular testing—all these problems have been known for years, but solutions have remained incomplete.
The situation in rural areas is different, yet equally worrying. Bottled water use is relatively low there, but as private companies expand their reach into rural markets, this dependence is also increasing. In many areas, high levels of fluoride, arsenic, or iron in groundwater have led people to fear local water sources. State-provided community taps and hand pumps are often out of order or undrinkable. Therefore, those with the financial means purchase bottled water, while the poor are forced to drink contaminated water. This situation creates deep water inequality.
The expansion of the bottled water industry raises many questions. While this industry promises “purity” and “safety,” its regulation is severely flawed. It has often been found that even bottled water available on the market does not meet quality standards. Despite this, consumers consider it safer than tap water. This perception itself questions the credibility of public water institutions. If citizens do not trust the state-certified and controlled water supply system, it also threatens the credibility of democratic governance.
From an environmental perspective, the reliance on bottled water is extremely destructive. Plastic bottles are turning into mountains of waste. Recycling rates are extremely low, and most plastic ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Furthermore, bottled water production consumes enormous amounts of water and energy. This means that an artificial solution is being offered by over-exploiting the very resource that is being talked about. This contradiction exposes the short-term thinking of policymakers.
The problems of public water administration aren’t just technical; they’re also institutional and political. Departments responsible for water management often struggle with resource constraints, a lack of skilled manpower, and coordination. Furthermore, a basic service like water supply often lacks political priority. While election promises include large dams, river-linking projects, and smart cities, relatively little attention is paid to improving everyday water supply. As a result, small but significant problems remain unresolved for years.
The growing trend of privatization is also exacerbating this crisis. When public systems are weak, private companies are brought forward as a solution. While this has increased efficiency in some cases, the benefits often accrue only to those who can pay. Market-based distribution of an essential resource like water is contrary to the principles of social justice. Bottled water is the most obvious example of this privatization, where clean water becomes a consumer good rather than a fundamental right.
The most worrying aspect of this entire situation is that dependence on bottled water is gradually becoming normalized. People are beginning to see it as a solution rather than a symptom of the problem. This reduces public pressure and weakens demands for administrative reform. When citizens themselves create alternative arrangements, the pressure on the state to be accountable decreases. This tacitly accepted failure could lead to even greater crises in the future.
There is a need to re-establish water as a public good. This requires ensuring the quality and consistency of tap water, first and foremost. Transparent water testing, public availability of results, and effective grievance redressal systems can restore citizens’ confidence. Furthermore, investment in water infrastructure—whether it’s pipeline repair, sewage management, or modernization of water treatment plants—must be prioritized.
Public awareness is also crucial. People must understand that bottled water is not a long-term solution. Consumer behavior can be changed by increasing awareness about the environmental and social costs. Schools, community organizations, and local governments can play a key role in this.
Ultimately, the growing dependence on bottled water is a warning. It shows that if public water governance is not strengthened, even a basic necessity like water can lead to deep inequality and crisis. It is time for the state, society, and citizens to collectively reconsider this trend and bring water back into the realm of trust, equity, and public responsibility. Only then will India be able to quench its growing thirst in a just and sustainable manner.
