Decentralised, cost-effective treatment technologies needed to plug infrastructure gap & scale wastewater reuse, finds new report by think tank & NMCG
Water scarcity is a major problem in Indian cities and has worsened due to increased urbanization rates, population, industry and the effects expected from climate change. A major concern experienced in the country is increasing water scarcity, which is exerting massive pressure on the little remaining freshwater resources. In this connection, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has also recommended that the treated wastewater must be reused to tackle this problem. Now, this article particularly explores the prospects for the use of treated wastewater and its utility in addressing the India’s urban water issues.
Urban Water Crisis in India
Indian cities are experiencing very high incidence of water stress, and demand is rising faster than supply. The expected increase in the consumption of this water from the traditional sources has been observed as unsustainable, by way of over drafted sources, depleted aquifers and poor quality of the available water sources. Out of 21 cities identified by NITI Aayog, millions of people will be without access to groundwater in near future. It becomes pertinent to fashion new and cost effective strategies that can help guarantee water security to the urban people.
Wastewater Reuse, Prospects of Treated Wastewater
Treated wastewater, also known as reclaimed water, is the by-product of sewage treatment processes that remove contaminants and make the water safe for various non-potable uses. Utilization of the treated wastewater can help much in the development of the water resources that result to the reduction of fresh waters as well as helps to Controlled Pollution of the environment by untreated sewage. CSE's report "Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis through Wastewater Reuse” discusses all the below measures and more about this approach.
Benefits of Wastewater Reuse
- Augmented Water Supply: The treated wastewater can be reused by the cities to supplement the known water sources to help meet the need for various uses. This entails watering of crops in urban horticulture, using of water in landscaping, in industry, and for flushing of commercial and residential toilets.
- Environmental Protection: Treating waste water and its reusing can greatly minimize the disposal of raw sewerage into rivers, lakes or any other water source. This assists in reducing water pollution, conserving the stream and aquatic life and the general health of the ecosystem.
- Economic Efficiency: The use of treated wastewater has become cheaper for the municipalities and the industries hoping to treat their own wastewater. Reduced water consumption and the ability to utilize energy from water recycling and the process of sewage management means that costs could be decreased and the economic rationality achieved.
- Climate Resilience: The use of wastewater in different sectors can improve the urban system’s ability to withstand climate change impacts. Especially as water becomes scarce in the future because of climate change and weather unpredictability a more integrated water supply management that incorporates recycled wastewater.
Implementation and Policy Framework
While technical innovation is critical to the effectiveness of treated wastewater reuse, a sound policy and well-coordinated implementation framework are mandatory for widespread application of this solution. The Jal Shakti Ministry has laid out targets expected of cities, thus requiring them to recycle and reuse water consumed within them to 20%. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are some of the states have legal provisions for treated wastewater reuse in the recent past. For example, the MPS environmental guidelines make it mandatory for industries in urban areas of Maharashtra to utilize only treated wastewater, while the Gujarat government has a goal of wastewater reuse at a hundred percent, especially in agricultural and industrial sectors.
Successful Examples
The practice of wastewater reuse has already been practiced in some cities like Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai, etc. Till date the Nagpur municipality has arranged the entire necessary sewage treatment facilities, and plenty of treated water is being utilized for industrial franchises. Bengaluru has made it compulsory for the treated wastewater to be used in other purposes other than drinking in large commercial buildings. Due to scarcity of water in Chennai the city has included the re-use of wastewater in its water management plan.
Causers of Urban Water Crisis in India
India’s urban water problem is hence a complex developmental issue compounded by various factors. Currently, rapid urbanization, insufficient infrastructure, population expansion, and climate change effects have put water infrastructure in the country under pressure. The major reasons for the urban water crisis in India include:
Rapid Urbanization
However, one of the biggest culprits to the present water challenge in urban areas is urbanization. India also has one of the highest growth rates in its urban population and due to this there is also high demand for water in its urban centres – cities and towns. The United Nations estimated it that by 2031 one out of every three people living in India would be an urban resident. The urban population has spectacularly grown and yet the water infrastructures in most of the world’s cities are unable to satisfactorily meet water demand and supply.
Example: Bengaluru initially boasted a number of lakes and plenty of water; now the city is threatened by water scarcity. Rapid growth of the city and the immigrants’ influx exert pressure on the water supply system, and, thus, water cuts and water tankers are often required.
Inadequate Infrastructure
It is evident that India’s urban water infrastructure is generally aged and dilapidated and water losses are greatly significant. Corroded pipes and pipelines, poor water supply network, and inadequate water supply infrastructures for sewage treatment lead to huge loss of water resources. According to the World Bank, it is thought that around 40% of the supply of water in urban areas is wasted through leakage systems and cross connections.
Example: Delhi the capital city of India has its water distribution network a burgeoning problem of leakage and illegal connections. Delhi is a city that even today suffers acute water deficit although it is situated on the Yamuna River as well as many reservoirs.
Population Growth
Population growth especially in the urban areas has continued to boost the demand for the water hence worsening the problem. When people move from rural areas towards urban areas in the search of employment opportunities the existing sources of water do not suffice. This expanding population increases the pressure for adequate water provision to already strained water demand systems.
Example: Mumbai one of the most populated cities in India, is the financial capital of the country that suffers from a dire scarcity of water. The city has old water pipe networks and few water resources have not been in a position to meet increased demand due to scarcity of water and conflict of water sharing.
Climate Change
India’s water supply crisis in urban areas has been exacerbated by climate change that has brought variations in rainfall regimes as well as frequent disasters. Climate change especially the incidences of climatic shocks such as irregular and unpredictable rainfall, extended dry seasons and stern temperatures affect the regular supply of water.
Example: Chennai, one of the Mega cities, had a very acute water scarcity problem in 2019 because of the delayed monsoon and rainfall deficit. The original water sources in the city were no longer available to supply the needed requirement, making the government truck in water from other areas.
Pollution and Contamination
The problem of water pollution is severe throughout India’s large cities, especially due to industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and chemical input from agriculture. This pollution not only works to decrease the access to fresh water, but also goes much further to endanger the health of people in the area.
Example: The Ganges River in India – the second largest river in India supplies water for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes is under severe pollutive threats because of untreated sewage, industrial effluents and conventional offerings. Towns and cities located in this part of India including Varanasi, Kanpur, etc., are in a serious crisis in the provision of safe water for domestic consumption.
Probable solutions
Thus, the urban water challenge in India is complex enough to necessitate the adoption of a wide-ranging and integrated approach to meet the water challenge agenda in the country As a result of an increasing urban population. While identifying the causes is crucial, the next, most relevant step is to know and follow solution. Here, different approaches to the problem of India’s urban water shortage and ways to achieve sustainable solution are discussed.
1. Innovation in the Water System
It is suggested that one of the best ways of addressing the problem of water insecurity in the Indian cities is by enhancing the development of water infrastructure. This includes:
- Leak Detection and Repair: Advanced technologies should be employed in sealing and monitoring systems, and the provision of water distribution systems should be frequently checked and maintained with a view to minimizing losses from leakage and cross connection.
- Smart Water Management Systems: Smart meters, sensors applied together with analytics offer possibilities for controlling the water consumption and determining wastage to manage and enhance the delivery of water. Smart systems allow for control of water usage at any given time and meaningful water management is enhanced.
2. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is one of the best practices that could be used to supplement water sources and refilling ground water tables. Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed throughout residential, commercial or public facilities within the urban areas. Key measures include:
- Mandating Rainwater Harvesting: The authorities can direct builders and architects to incorporate recycling facilities for rainwater into new buildings’ designs. These systems could be promoted among existing buildings through incentives and subsidies.
- Community Initiatives: People within the same region can approach local governments to start rainwater harvesting programs in areas in the community, parks and schools which may in turn create awareness and require everyone to be involved.
3. Sewage management and recycling
Treating wastewater then using it is a sustainable approach to water shortage and managing the harm associated with untreated sewage. Key strategies include:
- Decentralized Treatment Plants: Stationary autonomous sewerage treatment centres are the best approach that would ensure the treatment of sewage at the respective regions. Treated wastewater can be used for purposes other than drinking water including, watering plants, industrial usage and use in towns.
- Public-Private Partnerships: People’s participation in the design, finance, and management of the services of wastewater treatment can be achieved through public-private partnerships.
4. Water Conservation and Efficiency
It is important to intensively and effectively propagate water conservation and efficient use of water to solve the problem. Key measures include:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Implementation of awareness creation on proper use of water, conducting of programs on conservation of water as well as working with citizens through organizing lectures on water issues would go along way in ensuring that citizens use water responsibly.
- Water-Efficient Technologies: Promoting the use of water saving fittings and devices in homes, factories and farms can help to conserve the scarce water source.
5. Sustainable Urban Planning
Water resources management and particularly sustainable urban water management is central in the provision of sustainable water for the future. Key strategies include:
- Integrated Water Management: Applying the concepts or ideas of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) on supply, demand, emission/discharge and water reuse and recharge improves water utilisation and conservation.
- Green Infrastructure: Use of green infrastructure like the permeable pavement, green roofs, and urban wetland improves the rate of infiltration and reduces runoff with better quality water.
6. Addressing Climate Change
Climate change affects water availability and quality and therefore calls for efforts in increasing climate strength. Key strategies include:
- Water-Sensitive Urban Design: Adoption of climate resilient designs in design for cities makes it possible to minimize risks of climate related water issues.
- Renewable Energy: The integration of renewable energy sources in the water treatment and distribution processes can help in the reduction of energy use as well as bring about increased sustainability of water management systems.