Delhi Taps Treated Water for Non-Potable Needs

In response to escalating groundwater depletion, Delhi is implementing a policy to expand the use of treated wastewater for non-potable applications. This includes purposes like construction, firefighting, and horticulture, thereby conserving precious freshwater and groundwater resources. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is spearheading this initiative, seeking to reuse water from sewage treatment plants.

While treated water is already utilized for landscaping by agencies like CPWD and DDA, the new policy aims to formalize and broaden its application. Government construction projects are set to be prioritized, especially for concrete curing and dust suppression. The possibility of supplying treated water to private developers at cost-effective rates is also under consideration.

Officials are exploring the use of treated water for firefighting, which could replace significant volumes of clean water currently used by fire tenders. However, the policy's success hinges on meeting stringent technical standards, such as specific pH levels and total dissolved solids limits, to ensure water quality does not compromise construction materials or infrastructure.

The move aligns with the Centre's 'Safe Reuse of Treated Water' framework and addresses Delhi's critical groundwater stress. Recent reports indicate that 14 out of 34 tehsils are 'overexploited' for groundwater. Currently, Delhi generates about 530 MGD of treated water, but only a fraction is utilized, highlighting the potential for significant reuse.