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Reusing Treated Wastewater: Key to Addressing India’s Urban Water Crisis
Context:
The reuse of treated wastewater presents an opportunity to tackle India’s severe urban water crisis, where 72% of urban wastewater remains untreated.
- A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) highlights wastewater reuse as a sustainable solution to water scarcity, driven by urbanisation, industrial expansion, and climate change.
Current Status of Wastewater Treatment
- India generates 72,000 million litres of wastewater daily but treats only 28% of it.
- Untreated wastewater pollutes rivers, lakes, and soil, worsening environmental degradation.
- Treated wastewater has potential uses in irrigation, industry, and urban greening.
Potential of Treated Wastewater
- Water circularity can address water scarcity sustainably by turning wastewater into a resource.
- Treated wastewater reduces reliance on freshwater for industries, agriculture, and urban areas.
- Policies like the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s mandate to recycle 20% of consumed water provide a framework for action.
Challenges in Scaling Wastewater Reuse
- Infrastructure Deficit: Gaps in sewage treatment and distribution systems hinder scaling.
- Public Resistance: Cultural beliefs and safety concerns deter acceptance of treated wastewater.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring treated water meets reuse standards is a complex challenge.
- High Costs: Treatment facility operations require significant financial investment.
Success Stories Across India
- Nagpur: Supplies treated wastewater to power plants, reducing freshwater usage.
- Bengaluru: Uses treated water for agriculture, lake rejuvenation, and groundwater recharge.
- Chennai: Incorporates treated wastewater into industrial processes, landscaping, and replenishment.
- Maharashtra: Mandates industries to use treated wastewater in urban areas.
- Gujarat: Targets 100% reuse in agriculture and industry.
Policy Recommendations
- Decentralised Treatment: Deploy cost-effective technologies to address infrastructure gaps.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage investments to upscale wastewater treatment and reuse.
- Community Engagement: Overcome resistance through awareness campaigns and capacity building.
- Integrated Planning: Align wastewater reuse with urban planning and policies like Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and AMRUT.
Call for Action
- The report, based on 35 case studies across 16 cities in 7 states, serves as a blueprint for scaling wastewater reuse.
- Treated wastewater should be recognised as a public good and managed to ensure equity for underserved communities.
- Achieving sustainable water management requires innovative policies, robust investments, and community participation.
