Reusing wastewater, rethinking water: Maharashtra's roadmap

Water resource management is a critical issue globally, and in India, the state of Maharashtra is pioneering efforts to regulate and optimise the use of its water resources, including the reuse of treated used water. Effective wastewater reuse is being investigated by the Maharashtra government, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents. The findings of comparison research between Maharashtra and India indicate that a reliance on outdated technologies is excessive, as just 4% of wastewater in Maharashtra is reused.

The study "Landscape review and strategic roadmap for used water management in Maharashtra" by CEPT explores the methods, legal frameworks, and difficulties related to Maharashtra's water resource management. The study evaluated India's water management constitutional provisions, namely the 7th and 12th Schedules, highlighting wastewater as a state matter and delineating the responsibilities of the federal and state governments. The inadequacy of the sewerage/drainage tax in meeting the expenses associated with wastewater treatment was discovered through a financial examination of state budgets.

AMRUT 2.0 and SBM 2.0 were the main topics of a chronological review of laws, regulations, and initiatives pertaining to urban wastewater management at the federal and state levels. Functional gaps were highlighted by creating a matrix that listed numerous institutional roles and functions at the federal, state, and local levels. The regulation of water resources in Maharashtra involves multiple institutions at different levels of governance:

• Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA): Established to regulate water resources within the state, the MWRRA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the equitable distribution of water, setting tariffs, and overseeing water management practices. The MWRRA is tasked with regulating water tariffs, monitoring water use efficiency, and resolving disputes between water users. By ensuring fair water distribution, the MWRRA helps prevent conflicts and promotes the sustainable use of water resources.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): ULBs manage local water supply and sanitation systems, operate sewage treatment plants (STPs), and promote water conservation measures. ULBs are responsible for the implementation of water management plans, including the treatment and reuse of used water. They work under the guidance and regulations set by the state government and MWRRA. ULBs often face financial and technical challenges in maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure.
• Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB): MPCB monitors and regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The MPCB enforces pollution control laws, conducts regular inspections, and monitors water quality across the state. Effective regulation by the MPCB helps maintain the quality of water bodies, protecting ecosystems and public health.
• Department of Water Supply and Sanitation: This department is involved in planning and executing water supply schemes, including the development of infrastructure for water treatment and reuse.

Legislative and policy framework

The regulatory framework for water management in Maharashtra is supported by several key policies and legislative acts:

• Maharashtra State Water Policy (2019): This policy outlines the state's vision for water resource management, emphasising the importance of water conservation, reuse, and sustainable practices. The policy promotes the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, encourages rainwater harvesting, and advocates for the protection of water bodies.

It mandates that a minimum of 30% of recycled water should be reused to reduce freshwater demand within five years. The policy is implemented through various programs and initiatives at the state and local levels, with regular monitoring and evaluation. The analysis by CEPT pointed out several gaps, such as the lack of operational infrastructure for collection and treatment, incentives for industries, quality assurance of treated water, prioritisation of projects, and clarity in roles of ULBs and financial resources. 

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This central act, implemented by the MPCB, provides the legal framework for preventing and controlling water pollution, including the treatment and safe disposal of sewage and industrial effluents. It regulates the discharge of pollutants, mandates the treatment of industrial effluents, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. By controlling pollution, the act helps preserve water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems.
• Maharashtra Groundwater (Development and Management) Act, 2009: This act regulates the extraction of groundwater to prevent over-exploitation and ensure its sustainable use. The act requires the registration of wells, restricts groundwater extraction in over-exploited areas, and promotes groundwater recharge. Sustainable groundwater management helps maintain water availability for future generations and prevents land subsidence.
• Regulations on Thermal Power Plants: The state policy promotes the use of treated and recycled water in thermal power plants, especially those located within 50 km of sewage treatment plants (STPs). Thermal power plants are required to use treated wastewater for cooling purposes, reducing their reliance on freshwater sources. This regulation helps conserve freshwater resources and promotes the reuse of treated wastewater.

Challenges and gaps in regulation

Despite the robust institutional and legislative framework, several challenges hinder the effective regulation of water resources in Maharashtra:

• Lack of operational mechanisms: While policies like the Maharashtra State Water Policy provide a strategic direction, they often lack clear operational guidelines and implementation mechanisms. This gap makes it difficult for local bodies to translate policy into action effectively. The mandate to reuse 30% of treated wastewater lacks specific guidelines on how ULBs should achieve this target, leading to inconsistent implementation.
• Inter-agency coordination: Effective water management requires coordination among various agencies at the central, state, and local levels. However, the overlapping responsibilities and lack of clear delineation of roles often lead to inefficiencies and conflicts. Conflicts between the MWRRA and MPCB over jurisdiction and enforcement responsibilities can delay regulatory actions and hinder effective water management.
• Financial constraints: ULBs often face financial constraints in implementing water treatment and reuse projects. Insufficient funds from sewerage tax and other sources limit their ability to develop and maintain necessary infrastructure. Many ULBs struggle to fund the construction and operation of STPs, leading to inadequate treatment of sewage and pollution of water bodies.
• Technological and capacity gaps: The adoption of advanced and cost-effective technologies for water treatment is still limited. Additionally, there is a need for capacity building among local officials to manage and operate these technologies efficiently. The lack of skilled personnel to operate and maintain STPs can result in suboptimal performance and frequent breakdowns.

Strategies for improvement

To address these challenges and enhance the regulation of water resources, the state of Maharashtra has outlined several strategies:

• Development of regulatory measures and enforcement mechanisms: Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework with by-laws to support new institutional arrangements is crucial. This includes setting quality standards for treated water and implementing penalties for non-compliance. Developing specific guidelines for the reuse of treated wastewater in industrial and agricultural applications can ensure consistent implementation across the state.
• Institutional strengthening: Creating dedicated institutional structures with clear mandates, adequate staffing, and budgetary allocations can facilitate the effective implementation of water management strategies. Establishing a state-level water reuse authority with the mandate to oversee and coordinate water reuse initiatives can streamline efforts and improve outcomes.
• Financial incentives and support: Developing pricing policies, providing financial incentives for the upgradation of STPs, and establishing state programs for financial support can encourage the reuse of treated water. Offering subsidies or low-interest loans for the construction and operation of STPs can help ULBs overcome financial constraints and improve sewage treatment.
• Research and development: Encouraging research and development in water treatment technologies and best practices can drive innovation and efficiency in water management. Investing in research on advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors and constructed wetlands, can improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sewage treatment.
• Public awareness and participation: Raising awareness among the public and stakeholders about the benefits of water conservation and reuse is essential. Engaging communities in water management practices can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Conducting awareness campaigns and workshops on water conservation and the benefits of treated wastewater reuse can encourage public participation and support.

The study investigated wastewater reuse cases in small and medium-sized towns, covering business models, technology, and institutional frameworks. The document provides several case studies and examples of successful water management practices in Maharashtra.

Pune has implemented several projects to reuse treated sewage water for industrial and agricultural purposes. The city's approach includes establishing STPs and developing infrastructure for the conveyance of treated water to end-users. Pune has set up multiple STPs with a total capacity of treating over 700 million litres of sewage per day. The treated water is used for industrial cooling, gardening, and construction activities.

Aurangabad has developed an integrated water management plan that includes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the reuse of treated water. This holistic approach has significantly improved water availability in the region. Aurangabad's initiatives include the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and recharge wells to enhance groundwater recharge. The city also promotes the use of treated wastewater for irrigation.

Several thermal power plants in Maharashtra have adopted the use of treated sewage water for cooling purposes, reducing their reliance on freshwater sources. Thermal power plants in Nagpur and Mumbai have set up pipelines to transport treated sewage water from nearby STPs. This initiative has saved millions of litres of freshwater annually.

Future directions

To ensure the sustainable management of water resources, Maharashtra must continue to evolve its regulatory and policy frameworks. Future directions include:

• Developing a state-level water reuse policy: Establishing a comprehensive policy specifically focused on the reuse of treated water can provide clear direction and operational guidelines for ULBs and other stakeholders. The policy should outline specific targets for water reuse, provide incentives for compliance, and establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track progress.

Strengthening monitoring and compliance: Implementing robust monitoring systems to track the performance of water treatment plants and ensure compliance with regulatory standards is essential. Developing a centralised monitoring platform that integrates data from STPs across the state can provide real-time insights into treatment efficiency and compliance.

• Enhancing data collection and analysis: Improving data collection and analysis on water usage, treatment, and reuse can inform better decision-making and policy development. Establishing a state-level water resource database that collects and analyses data on water quality, usage patterns, and treatment capacities can support evidence-based planning and management.
• Promoting public-private partnerships: Encouraging private sector participation in water treatment and reuse projects can bring in much-needed investment and expertise. Developing frameworks for public-private partnerships (PPPs) that outline roles, responsibilities, and risk-sharing mechanisms can attract private investment in water infrastructure projects.
• Fostering innovation and technology adoption: Supporting the development and adoption of innovative water treatment technologies can enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Providing grants and subsidies for pilot projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatment technologies can encourage their wider adoption.

A strategic roadmap was developed, focusing on increasing reuse levels from 4% to 40% and improving collection and treatment. Thirteen strategic themes were identified, covering infrastructure, institutional frameworks, technology, environmental protection, education, and monitoring. A financing and resource mobilisation plan was proposed, estimating a capital outlay of Rs. 19,000 crores and operational expenses of Rs. 2,500 crores.

The roadmap also addressed GST implications and proposed a State Reuse Mission and wastewater management rules, along with an institutional structure for a state-level committee and an assessment of the carbon savings potential from implementing wastewater reuse recommendations. 

The report can be accessed here