Delhi to Reuse Wastewater for Lakes & Groundwater

Delhi is set to significantly enhance its water management strategy by repurposing a large volume of treated wastewater. Currently, the city reuses only a fraction of the 701 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated wastewater it produces. An ambitious plan by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) aims to direct the underutilized surplus towards vital environmental and water security initiatives.

The DJB has outlined specific projects to channel the remaining treated effluent. These initiatives focus on replenishing natural water bodies and recharging groundwater levels, which have been steadily declining. By diverting over 78 MGD from the Coronation Pillar sewage treatment plants alone, Delhi plans to revitalize marshlands, replenish groundwater via drains, and fill lakes like Bhalswa, contributing to ecosystem health and water availability.

Beyond direct ecosystem replenishment, the DJB is also expanding treated water use for large urban lakes and supporting groundwater extraction in select zones. These efforts include developing new lakes and installing tube wells to supplement drinking water supplies. Concurrently, policies are being updated to encourage the use of treated effluent for irrigation in farmhouses and green spaces, thereby reducing the dependence on bore wells and conserving precious groundwater resources.