Mumbai Municipal Corporation Approves Sale of Treated Wastewater to Private Entities
In a significant move aimed at creating a sustainable solution while generating additional revenue for the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to capitalize on its wastewater resources. The civic standing committee on Wednesday granted approval to sell three million litres per day (MLD) of treated wastewater from the Colaba Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to private entities at a concessional rate. This water, which is currently discharged into the sea due to lack of demand, will now be utilized for construction and other non-potable purposes.
Details of the Wastewater Sale Initiative
The treated wastewater will be sold at a concessional rate of Rs 15 per 1,000 liters to a self-help group. This group will then supply the water to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Orange Gate tunnel project, as well as to other construction projects and gardens across the city. The Colaba STP has a total treatment capacity of 37 MLD, with a facility to provide tertiary treatment to 10 MLD of sewage water. The cost of this tertiary treatment is approximately Rs 12 per kilolitre.
Currently, three to four million litres of treated water is being discharged into the sea daily because of insufficient demand. Meanwhile, private parties in Mumbai are supplying non-potable water at prices ranging from Rs 15 to Rs 18 per 1,000 liters. The BMC's initiative aims to tap into this market, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Revenue Generation and Water Conservation Benefits
The civic administration emphasizes that selling treated wastewater for non-potable use will generate substantial revenue for the municipal corporation. This revenue will help recover a portion of the capital expenditure incurred for the Colaba STP, as well as the recurring costs associated with the plant's operation and maintenance. Additionally, the move is expected to promote the conservation of fresh water by providing an alternative source for various non-potable applications.
Treated wastewater can be used for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Construction activities
- Landscaping and garden irrigation
- Cleaning of public areas and tourist spots
- Fire brigade operations
- Bus depot maintenance
Opposition and Alternative Suggestions
Despite the potential benefits, the move has faced opposition from some standing committee members. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Shailesh Phanse argued that the primary goal should be to save drinking water by using treated wastewater for municipal purposes such as road washing, supplying the fire brigade, bus depots, and buildings for their firefighting systems. Similarly, MIM corporator Zameer Qureishi questioned the necessity of selling water to private firms, suggesting that the civic body should prioritize using it for its own needs.
Currently, about 1 MLD of treated water is being supplied to the Indian Navy, demonstrating existing demand for non-potable water in the city. The BMC's proposal seeks to expand this usage to private entities, thereby maximizing the utility of treated wastewater and reducing reliance on fresh water sources.
This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to urban water management, balancing economic incentives with environmental sustainability. By monetizing treated wastewater, Mumbai aims to address both revenue shortfalls and water conservation challenges, setting a precedent for other cities facing similar issues.
