Potential for Use of Treated Waste Water for Industrial Reuse in India

Abstract

The rate at which the population growth has increased has led to the steep increase in generation of wastewater in overall world. The major challenge faced by urban India remains in terms of the availability of fresh and clean water along with appropriate sanitation structure. Out of total water supplied for domestic use around 70–80% gets generated as wastewater. Many of the recent studies have also concluded that the supply is approximately equals the demand for India explaining the acute shortages in many parts. To meet the severity of water crises, industrial and agriculture water demand, wastewater resource, its collection, treatment and reuse is very important alternative for fresh water. The wastewater generated is generally discharged without treatment in open leading to insanitary environment finally causing the pollution to environment. Treatment of wastewater is a part of public health and sanitation. Wastewater treatment, whether on-site or off-site are the part of the full circle which helps in prevention to environmental pollution and safeguarding health issues. The wastewater after the treatment procedures plays a very crucial role for industrial as well as agricultural water demands. It has some economic advantages and act as a source of revenue for the urban local bodies. Treated wastewater although is economically viable, industrial reuse is limited by the availability of industrial clusters in the vicinity of the treatment plant. If this treated wastewater is reused by industries and agriculture then it frees up water which could be used to meet city’s water demand. It is the need of the hour to properly treat the wastewater especially near the source of generation and reuse it so as to protect the environment and a reliable source of water supply can be provided. The major drawback remains the non-availability of the required data. With the drastic change in climatic conditions along with rising population, the main concern for a country like India must be increased usage of the recycled and treated wastewater which can in longer run combat the scarcity of available water resources.KeywordsWastewater treatmentRecyclingReuseScarcityIndiaWater resources