Hyderabad Water Board Launches Initiative to Purchase Treated Wastewater from Gated Communities
In a groundbreaking move to enhance water conservation, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has announced a new policy to procure treated wastewater from gated residential communities. The board will offer between Rs 50 and Rs 100 per tanker for this recycled water, marking a significant departure from the current system where residents typically purchase water.
Addressing Water Waste and Misuse
Currently, approximately 200 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water from private sewage treatment plants (STPs) in these communities is being discharged into nearby lakes and water bodies. While some residential complexes reuse this water for internal purposes such as flushing toilets and gardening, the majority ends up flowing unused into natural water systems.
This initiative aims to repurpose this valuable resource for non-potable applications including construction projects, landscaping, golf course maintenance, and various industrial operations. The move comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of precious potable water for activities like cleaning premises and washing vehicles.
'Dial Your Tanker' Service and Color-Coded System
As part of this comprehensive program, HMWSSB will introduce a specialized 'Dial Your Tanker' service specifically for treated water collection. Similar to existing drinking water services, residents can request an empty tanker that will be dispatched directly to their premises to collect treated grey water.
The water board will implement a color-coded tanker system to distinguish between different water types. Red-colored tankers will be designated exclusively for treated water collection, while blue tankers will continue to supply drinking water as usual.
Pilot Program and Future Expansion
"This initiative represents a crucial component of our treated water bank strategy, designed to tap recycled water resources more efficiently," explained HMWSSB Managing Director K Ashok Reddy. "Following collection, we will conduct thorough quality checks before allocating the water for non-drinking purposes. The project will commence with a pilot phase utilizing three dedicated tankers, with additional vehicles to be incorporated based on demonstrated demand."
Despite undergoing advanced secondary and tertiary treatment processes, less than 2% of treated wastewater in Hyderabad is currently being utilized productively. To dramatically improve this statistic, HMWSSB is planning to establish a large-scale grey water bank with an impressive capacity of approximately 2,000 MLD. This substantial reservoir would primarily serve non-potable needs, including industrial operations in critical sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Project Development and Implementation
The treated wastewater procurement project remains in the planning stages, with a Delhi-based agency currently preparing the detailed project report (DPR) that will guide implementation. This systematic approach ensures proper planning and execution of what could become a model for urban water management across India.
This innovative program represents a forward-thinking approach to urban water management, potentially transforming how cities handle wastewater while conserving precious freshwater resources for essential needs.
