India Eyes Wastewater as Key to Solving Urban Water Crisis by 2050
India’s urban future may flow not from its rivers, but from its drains. As cities struggle with water shortages and climate stress, untreated wastewater is both a growing crisis and a massive opportunity. With just 28% of sewage currently treated, reusing wastewater could reshape urban sustainability, boost agriculture, and fuel a billion-dollar green economy.
India produces more than 72,000 million litres of domestic wastewater every day, yet less than a third is treated. The rest contaminates ecosystems and drinking water, contributing to a public health emergency. But reimagining this waste as a resource could change the game. Experts point to the potential for treated wastewater to replenish city supplies, reduce pollution, and power a circular economy that converts waste into wealth.
By 2050, India could treat 80% of its sewage, unlocking nearly ₹2 billion in daily revenue. The agriculture sector could benefit most, as treated wastewater contains natural nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, cut costs, and improve yields. In 2021 alone, available treated water could have irrigated over 1.3 million hectares and generated nearly ₹966 billion in agricultural output.
Some cities already reuse wastewater for industrial cooling, construction, and landscaping. Yet these examples remain rare. Authorities say clear policies, updated regulations, and city-level reuse plans are essential. Lower-energy technologies like stabilisation ponds and anaerobic systems could cut treatment costs and emissions. Green-powered sewage plants, solar-run systems, and new financial models could make citywide reuse both cost-effective and climate-friendly.
Behavioural change remains a major hurdle. Despite clear benefits, public resistance to using treated water—especially for food—is strong. Experts suggest awareness campaigns that highlight safety, savings, and sustainability are key. With the right mix of policy, technology, and public trust, reusing wastewater can reduce emissions, create jobs, irrigate crops, and ensure cities survive growing water stress.
Treated wastewater can irrigate land, boost the economy, cut emissions, and make cities climate-resilient. Yet to make this shift, India must overcome policy delays, infrastructure gaps, and public hesitation. The question is no longer whether wastewater reuse is possible, but whether we can afford to ignore its value. The drain could very well be India’s next source of water security.
