Goa Grapples With Alarming 40% Loss of Treated Drinking Water
Panaji has revealed a critical water management challenge facing Goa, with the state experiencing a staggering 40% loss of treated drinking water. This substantial gap, known as non-revenue water, represents the difference between the water treated and the amount actually billed to consumers.
Aging Infrastructure at the Heart of the Crisis
Minister for Drinking Water Subhash Phal Dessai pinpointed the primary culprits behind this massive wastage. While faulty water meters contribute significantly, the most pressing issue lies in the state's antiquated pipeline network. Many of these pipelines are at least three decades old, with some sections dating back to the Portuguese colonial era, remaining operational despite their advanced age and deteriorating condition.
Massive Rs 2,000 Crore Investment Required for Solution
To address this infrastructure deficit, Minister Dessai stated that a colossal investment of Rs 2,000 crore is imperative for Goa to completely replace its aging water distribution system. He elaborated that the state is actively exploring multiple funding avenues to meet this substantial financial requirement.
The proposed funding routes include:
- Securing loans from international institutions like the World Bank.
- Obtaining financing from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
- Availing 50% funding support from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry under schemes like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Breaking Down the 40% Water Loss
Minister Dessai provided a detailed breakdown of the non-revenue water situation. He explained that approximately half of the 40% loss is attributable to malfunctioning water meters that fail to accurately record consumption. The remaining half stems directly from leaks and inefficiencies in the old, corroded pipelines that permeate the state's water supply network.
"Only if the faulty meters and the old pipelines are replaced, we can look at a 24X7 drinking water supply," emphasized Dessai, highlighting the direct connection between infrastructure modernization and reliable service delivery.
Comprehensive Water Security Strategy
Alongside the pipeline replacement initiative, Goa is implementing parallel projects to enhance its drinking water treatment capacity by an additional 325 million liters per day (MLD). Minister Dessai projected that this expanded treatment capacity, combined with the new pipeline network and accurate metering, would satisfy Goa's water demands for the next decade.
This forward-looking approach is designed to accommodate both population growth and the seasonal influx of tourists, ensuring water security for residents and visitors alike.
The Critical Role of Consumer Awareness and Conservation
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Minister Dessai stressed the importance of promoting judicious water use among consumers. He identified several areas where treated drinking water is being used for non-essential purposes, including:
- Vehicle washing and gardening activities
- Construction work that could utilize alternative water sources
- Unrepaired toilet leakages in approximately 25% of residential complex toilets
- Domestic rate exploitation by second homeowners renting to tourists
The minister quantified the conservation opportunity, noting that each 2 MLD water treatment facility requires a Rs 20 crore investment. By reducing wasteful consumption through awareness campaigns and behavioral change, the state government could potentially avoid significant future infrastructure expenditures.
This multi-pronged strategy—combining massive infrastructure investment, capacity expansion, and public awareness—represents Goa's comprehensive approach to transforming its water management system and ensuring sustainable water security for all stakeholders.
