Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Delhi government is preparing to roll out the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 as part of a broader effort to address the capital’s rising water demand and recurring shortages. The proposed policy aims to significantly increase the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing dependence on potable water for non-drinking purposes.
According to Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma, nearly 750 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage is treated through the city’s sewage treatment plants. Of this, around 350 MGD is discharged into the Yamuna River, while the remaining 400 MGD is available for reuse.
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However, only about 120 MGD of this treated water is currently being utilized. The government now plans to bring the remaining 280 MGD into productive use through the new policy.
Under the proposed framework, the use of treated water will be promoted—and in some cases made mandatory—for activities such as construction, horticulture, landscaping and other non-potable purposes. The government is also exploring its use in farmhouses, vehicle washing facilities and residential societies for cleaning and maintenance work.
To facilitate wider adoption, residential complexes may be equipped with dual-pipeline systems, allowing treated water to be supplied separately from drinking water. In areas where dedicated pipelines are not available, treated water could be supplied through tankers based on demand.
The Delhi Jal Board is expected to provide separate connections and meters for reclaimed water, enabling authorities to monitor consumption and introduce a dedicated billing mechanism.
Officials believe the policy could substantially reduce the consumption of potable water across the city. Residents using treated water for gardening, cleaning and vehicle washing would consume less drinking water, potentially helping households remain within the Delhi government’s free water entitlement of 20,000 litres per month and lowering their overall water bills.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to maximize the use of available water resources and prepare for future demand driven by population growth and urban expansion.
The policy comes alongside discussions on a proposed Delhi Jal Board infrastructure charge linked to water demand. Reports have suggested that users may receive discounts ranging from 50% to 70% under the proposed system.
With the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026, the Delhi government is seeking to reserve potable water primarily for drinking and essential household needs, while shifting construction, horticulture, cleaning and other non-drinking activities to treated wastewater—an approach aimed at improving long-term water security in the national capital.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
