Bengaluru, amidst grappling with severe water scarcity issues, has emerged as a frontrunner in the efficient reuse of treated wastewater, a recent study by Bengaluru-based Well Labs has revealed. The study underscores that 55% of the city’s treated water is used productively, significantly benefiting agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors.
According to the findings, 35% of the treated water is allocated for agricultural purposes, landscaping, and habitat restoration, while another 20% serves construction, commercial, and industrial needs. This strategic allocation not only addresses water demands but also supports sustainable development across various sectors. Comparing Bengaluru’s efforts with global benchmarks, the report highlights that countries like Australia, Spain, Israel, Japan, and Singapore have set ambitious targets for using treated wastewater to meet significant portions of their total water requirements. For instance, Australia leads with over 50% reuse for agriculture, while Bengaluru’s 35% demonstrates commendable progress in this domain.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist within Bengaluru’s urban landscape. The city currently treats approximately 1,239 MLD (million litres per day) of wastewater out of an installed capacity of 1,523 MLD. However, a substantial portion, around 570 MLD, is reused outside the city limits, primarily for agricultural purposes in peri-urban areas. Furthermore, Bengaluru harbours potential in its network of 3,000 decentralised treatment plants, collectively capable of treating 615 MLD of sewage daily. Presently, these plants utilise only a fraction of their capacity, treating about 250 MLD and reusing approximately 47 MLD for local needs, including construction and industrial purposes.
Speaking on the city’s future prospects, a senior environmental officer from KSPCB highlighted the growing trend of IT parks using treated water for non-potable purposes like air conditioning, thus enhancing overall water efficiency in commercial sectors. As Bengaluru continues to navigate its water management challenges, the focus remains on expanding decentralized treatment capacities and optimizing reuse strategies within city limits. These efforts not only promise to alleviate water stress but also set a sustainable precedent for urban water management in India and beyond.
