DJB plans to use recycled water for potable purposes

In a bid to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of potable water in the city, the Delhi Jal Board has drawn up an action plan for the use of the recycled water produced by its Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Presently, 2100 million litres of recycled water is being produced at the thirty Wastewater Treatment Plants (WTPs) of Delhi Jal Board (DJB). About 25 per cent of this recycled water is being used for irrigation, horticulture and cooling in power plants by various agencies like Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, Pragati Power Corporation Limited, Central Public Works Department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Tourism etc.
The Board now wants to

increase the scope of using the remaining recycled water for potable purposes, it said in a statement.  “The recycled water produced by its WTPs is of good quality and is being promoted for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, horticulture, flushing/washing, power plants, water bodies, construction activities etc, thereby making additional water available for potable purposes. This water is being supplied at a subsidized rate of Rs 7 kilo litre,” it said.

A series of meetings were held with the organizations which have the potential to use recycled water. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has also directed all the organizations to submit their action plans for closing their tube-wells and using recycled water for horticultural purposes.

DDA, South Delhi Municipal Corporation and Pragati Power Corporation Limited have already submitted their requirements and areas for use of recycled water and the board is working on plans to provide regularized water to them, the statement said.

The Delhi Jal Board is also planning a city wide network for supply of recycled water from the Wastewater Treatment Plants to different areas in the city.

“For the first time, a new plan scheme has been approved in the Delhi budget to provide funds for city wide network for supply of wastewater,” it said.
DH News Service