Hyderabad to Pioneer India's First Greywater Bank by 2027
Hyderabad is poised to become the first city in India to establish a dedicated 'greywater bank,' a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing water management and conservation. According to officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), this innovative facility will have the capacity to store and distribute 2,000 million litres of water per day (MLD), equivalent to the city's current daily wastewater generation.
Addressing Water Scarcity and Industrial Demand
The primary objective of the greywater bank is to significantly reduce the misuse of precious drinking water and curb excessive groundwater extraction. K Ashok Reddy, Managing Director of HMWSSB, emphasized that the recycled water will be made available to large chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as data centers, to meet their non-potable needs. Additionally, it will be utilized for construction activities and extensive landscaping projects across the city.
"This recycled water will be provided to industries at a nominal cost, and we will mandate its use in construction to ensure sustainable practices," Reddy stated. The treated water is expected to be priced at less than half the cost of potable water supplied by the board, which currently charges approximately Rs 500 for 5,000 litres for domestic use.
Project Development and Timeline
The project is currently in the planning phase, with a Delhi-based agency appointed to prepare a detailed project report. The entire initiative, including the necessary infrastructure, is slated for completion by 2027. This timeline underscores the city's commitment to addressing water scarcity through innovative solutions.
Comparative Analysis with Other Indian Cities
While many Indian cities have systems for distributing greywater, none have established a dedicated water bank on this scale. For instance:
- In Mumbai, the bulk of treated sewage is released into the Arabian Sea via marine outfalls, with only a small portion reused for non-potable purposes such as gardening and construction.
- In Delhi, treated wastewater is largely discharged into the Yamuna River for rejuvenation, with a fraction diverted for industrial use.
- Bengaluru adopts a different approach, using treated water partly to replenish lakes for groundwater recharge and partly by residential communities for gardening, cleaning, and toilet use.
Currently, Hyderabad utilizes less than 2% of its greywater, which is treated through advanced secondary and tertiary processes for non-drinking purposes, with the majority discharged into rivers.
Infrastructure and Supply Network
Under the new plan, treated greywater from sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Nagole and Amberpet will be supplied to industries and data centers across Greater Hyderabad through a dedicated pipeline network. A significant portion of the recycled water will be allocated for maintaining the green cover along the 150 km stretch of the Outer Ring Road, where a drip irrigation system will be installed along road medians.
"This initiative will drastically cut down the current reliance on water tankers for landscaping needs," an official explained. The board also plans to construct mini reservoirs to ensure a steady supply for medians and public spaces throughout the city.
Future Expansion and Additional Benefits
Looking ahead, HMWSSB is exploring the possibility of supplying treated greywater to the upcoming Future City, which is projected to require around 500 MLD of water. A 60 km-long pipeline from Nagole is planned to meet this demand. Furthermore, the project will investigate generating electricity for streetlights and producing compressed natural gas (CNG) using small turbines powered by processed wastewater, adding an extra layer of sustainability.
This comprehensive approach positions Hyderabad as a leader in urban water management, setting a precedent for other cities to follow in the pursuit of environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
