The Delhi government is developing a new policy to significantly increase the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes across the city, as concerns over declining groundwater levels continue to mount. Officials said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on freshwater supplies by diverting treated sewage water toward construction activities, irrigation of parks, and other urban utilities.
Policy Framework by Delhi Jal Board
The policy, currently being prepared by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), seeks to ensure that treated effluent generated at sewage treatment plants (STPs) is reused effectively instead of being discharged unused. Authorities believe the move could help conserve potable water while promoting sustainable urban water management. Water Minister Parvesh Verma stated that the government is identifying sectors where treated water can replace freshwater.
Current Usage and Pilot Projects
According to Verma, several Public Works Department (PWD) projects have already started using treated water, and pilot initiatives are underway in parks in east Delhi. He added that some Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have expressed interest in receiving treated water for flushing systems that operate through separate pipelines. At present, DJB supplies nearly 89 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water to agencies such as the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This water is primarily used for maintaining parks, roadside greenery, and water bodies. Officials said DJB is also working on setting up pipelines through which treated water could be supplied to parks.
Proposed Framework and Applications
The proposed framework would make the use of treated wastewater a priority in government construction projects. Activities such as concrete curing, dust control, and landscaping are expected to be among the major areas of application. The feasibility of using treated water in fire tenders is also being considered. Officials noted that Delhi’s sewage treatment plants currently produce around 530 MGD of treated water daily, but only about 105 MGD is being utilized. A large portion is still discharged despite being suitable for several non-potable applications.
Alignment with National Framework
The proposed policy aligns with the Centre’s "Safe Reuse of Treated Water" framework. Recently, DJB approved a ₹90-crore project to strengthen infrastructure for transporting treated water from STPs across the capital. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of treated water distribution and further reduce the strain on freshwater resources.
