HMWSSB Water Bill — Complete Guide for Hyderabad Residents What is HMWSSB?

HMWSSB stands for Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Established on November 1, 1989, under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1989, it is the statutory body responsible for providing potable water supply and sewerage services to the entire Hyderabad metropolitan area. HMWSSB manages the sourcing, treatment, and distribution of water from multiple reservoirs and rivers to over 12 lakh consumer connections across the city. The board also handles sewerage collection, treatment, and disposal through its network of sewage treatment plants (STPs).

HMWSSB's operational area covers the entire GHMC jurisdiction and extends to surrounding municipal areas within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits. The board supplies approximately 460 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) of treated water drawn from six major sources: Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, Manjira, Singur, Krishna (Nagarjunasagar), and Godavari (Yellampally).

What is a CAN Number?

CAN stands for Consumer Account Number, a unique 9-digit identification number assigned by HMWSSB to every water connection. The CAN is printed on every water bill issued by HMWSSB. You need the CAN to check your bill online, make payments, report complaints, and request meter readings. If you do not know your CAN, you can find it on any previous water bill, or visit your nearest HMWSSB divisional office with address proof to retrieve it. You can also call the HMWSSB helpline at 155313.

Understanding Water Tariff Slabs

HMWSSB uses a progressive slab-based tariff for domestic connections. The more water you consume, the higher the rate per kilolitre (KL). The first 15 KL per month is charged at the lowest rate of Rs. 5 per KL with a minimum bill of Rs. 75 per month. Consumption between 15-20 KL is charged at Rs. 15 per KL, 20-30 KL at Rs. 25 per KL, and anything above 30 KL at Rs. 40 per KL. This progressive structure incentivises water conservation while keeping basic water affordable.

Commercial and industrial connections are charged a flat rate of Rs. 50 per KL with a minimum bill of Rs. 500 per month. In addition to water charges, a sewerage charge of 25% of the water bill is added to every bill. Meter rent and other miscellaneous charges may also apply.

Free Water Supply Scheme

The Telangana government introduced the Free Water Supply scheme from December 1, 2020. Under this scheme, all domestic consumers in the HMWSSB area are eligible for 20 KL of free water per month, provided their CAN is linked with their Aadhaar number. To avail this benefit, consumers must visit the HMWSSB portal or nearest office to link their Aadhaar with their CAN. Consumers who use more than 20 KL per month are billed for their entire consumption at regular slab rates — the free benefit does not apply partially.

Water Bill Cycle and Payment

HMWSSB water bills are generated on a monthly billing cycle. Meter readers visit properties every month to record consumption readings. Bills are dispatched within 7-10 days of meter reading, and the due date is typically 15 days from the bill date. Late payment attracts a penalty surcharge. Bills can be paid online through the HMWSSB portal (hyderabadwater.gov.in), BillDesk payment gateway, the HMWSSB Citizen Services mobile app, UPI-based payment apps (Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay), or at HMWSSB offices and Mee Seva centres in person.

HMWSSB Water Sources for Hyderabad

Hyderabad's water supply is drawn from six major sources spanning two river basins:

Osmansagar (Gandipet): One of the oldest sources, built in 1920. Supplies 30 MGD to central and western Hyderabad. Source: Musi River tributary.

Himayatsagar: Built in 1927. Supplies 30 MGD to southern Hyderabad. Source: Esi River (Musi tributary).

Manjira River: Supplies approximately 45 MGD. Treatment plant at Safilguda serves northern and western areas.

Singur Reservoir: Supplies approximately 90 MGD. Major source for Kukatpally, Miyapur, Chandanagar, and surrounding areas.

Krishna River (Nagarjunasagar Phase I, II, III): The single largest source supplying 180 MGD. Covers eastern, southern, and parts of central Hyderabad.

Godavari River (Yellampally): The newest addition supplying 90 MGD. Serves rapidly growing areas in northern Hyderabad — Kompally, Alwal, Medchal, and Shamirpet.

Why Water Bill Verification Matters for Property Buyers

For property buyers in Hyderabad, verifying HMWSSB water connection status is an important part of due diligence. A legal water connection with clear payment history confirms that the property has been legally occupied and utility services are active. Properties with pending water bills or unauthorised connections can face disconnection and penalty. During property transfer (sale deed registration), it is advisable to ensure all water bills are cleared and the CAN is transferred to the new owner's name through HMWSSB's name mutation process.