DJB to lay parallel pipelines for potable and treated wastewater

In wake of the continuous increase in demand, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has proposed to lay parallel pipelines for providing potable and treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes. Delhi's water worries

In wake of the continuous increase in demand, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has proposed to lay parallel pipelines for providing potable and treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes.

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Delhi's average demand of potable water is approximately 1,100million gallons per day as against the availability of around 845 million gallons per day (MGD) from all sources.

As one of the additional raw water sources, DJB is looking at approximately 45MGD water that it plans to reclaim from wastewater — at the rate 8-10% — from treatment process plants at Haiderpur, Wazirabad, Bhagirathi and Chandrawal (recycling plant).

With an aim to reduce and/or avoid use of potable water for flushing toilets, washing cars and other non-drinking purposes, DJB has been promoting use of grey water (as treated waste-water is called

) keeping in view global trends.

"The use of grey water for non-drinking purposes will be established by laying dual water pipelines in new urban extension areas," the government said added it was focusing on reforming the water sector.

The authorities also plan to push for extensively using treated wastewater in the construction and automobile industries, which will also keep in check the exploitation of ground water by the two sectors.

This was stated by the Delhi government in an approach paper it submitted to the Planning Commission on the key challenges and focus areas during the 12th Five Year Plan.

The authorities have also identified certain areas for a pilot project.