As urbanisation accelerates, India’s water sector is striving to balance the twin imperatives of meeting rising demand and ensuring sustainable resource use. This transformation is being led by efforts to strengthen supply systems, reduce wastage, and invest in advanced treatment and reuse. Smart metering, digital monitoring and network upgrades are helping curb non-revenue water and improving efficiency. Increasingly, used water is being recycled for agriculture, industry and non-potable use. Together these efforts mark a shift towards more resilient, resource efficient water management. Leading experts discuss the recent developments, key challenges and emerging trends in the sector…
How would you assess the performance of the water and sewerage sector over the past year?
Shamim Akhtar
India is witnessing unprecedented urban expansion. As per the World Bank (2022), nearly 600 million people (40 per cent of the country’s population) will reside in urban and urban-influenced areas by 2036. This demographic shift is accompanied by a sharp rise in water demand, especially in the face of climate variability, rising contamination levels and depleting groundwater reserves.
As per the Joint Monitoring Protocol of the United Nations, water coverage in urban India improved from 49 per cent in 2011 to 82 per cent in 2022. Moreover, 19 states and union territories have surpassed 70 per cent tap water coverage, with regions such as Chandigarh, Goa, Puducherry, Punjab and Telangana crossing the 90 per cent mark. Significant coverage is evident in Uttar Pradesh, across its 762 urban local bodies (ULBs) catering to about 30 per cent of the state’s population. Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and AMRUT 2.0 programmes, about 5.2 million household water connections are being provided, raising urban coverage from 32 per cent in 2015 to nearly 70 per cent at present. It shows significant growth in piped water supply coverage and overall improvements in service delivery in the state.
“Treated wastewater must be recognised as a valuable resource rather than waste.” Shamim Akhtar
Nandkishor Jagtap
The performance of Pune’s water and sewerage sector can be assessed in context of the city’s significant expansion and the measures undertaken by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address rising sectoral needs. Pune, the second largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai, expanded its jurisdiction significantly following the merger of 34 villages (11 in the first phase and 23 in the second phase). The city’s geographical area has grown from 246 square km (old PMC limits) to 516 sq. km, while the population has risen to 6 million-8 million.
The principal sources of raw water supply for PMC are the Khadakwasla reservoir chain and the Bhama Askhed reservoir. In addition to catering to urban demand, it is mandatory for PMC to supply 515 million litres per day (mld) of recycled water for agricultural use, as per an agreement with the state government and the requirements of the Irrigation Department. To address issues of unequal distribution and ensure reliable service, PMC had launched the Equitable Water Supply Scheme in 2017 for the old limits of Pune at a total cost of Rs 28.14 billion. It is currently under implementation. Under this programme, the Pune city area has been divided into five sectors based on water treatment plant (WTP) capacities and the demand of a particular area. This area is comprised of 141 dedicated water supply zones. Each zone is provided with its own elevated surface reservoir (ESR), ground service reservoir (GSR), exclusive transmission and distribution pipelines, pumping stations and automatic meter reading (AMR) meters. The key infrastructure projects under implementation include transmission lines of 101.54 km, distribution lines of 1,268.97 km, 262,652 units of AMR meters, six pumping stations and 86 ESR-GSRs. The scheme is expected to bring uniformity in supply, strengthen accountability through metering, and improve service efficiency across the expanded city limits.
For newly merged villages, step-by-step DPR preparation is in progress, with the block (tentative) cost for water infrastructure development estimated at Rs 30 billion. In the first phase, PMC has given work orders of Rs 3.20 billion for five villages – Bawadhan, Sus, Mahalunge, Lohegaon and Wagholi. Development works in these areas are in progress.
“Through systematic interventions, PMC has succeeded in reducing NRW to around 29 per cent in 11 out of 141 zones. ” Nandkishor Jagtap
Arun Lakhani
The water and sewerage sector has shown steady year-on-year improvement, and the past year was no exception. That said, the sector continues to face a significant backlog of work. Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and providing adequate sewerage infrastructure remain critical challenges. While progress is visible, achieving the goal of basic hygiene and safe water for all citizens requires sustained investment and stronger execution.
“AMRUT 2.0 has placed a strong focus on wastewater treatment, providing a muchneeded push to the sector.” Arun Lakhani
Rishabh Sethi
The past year has been transformative for India’s water sector. Performance is no longer measured solely by pipelines laid or treatment capacity added, but by the hours of reliable supply, water quality and the trust citizens place in the system. Over the past three decades, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, powered by resilient infrastructure, digital innovation and sustainable growth. Water and wastewater management has evolved from reactive, crisis-driven systems into core pillars of urban and rural transformation.
At JWIL, our journey mirrors this national progress. From setting up foundational water supply and water treatment projects, we have grown into a technology-driven, end-to-end water management company. Today, we are executing ambitious initiatives such as 24×7 water supply projects, wastewater treatment plants and integrated water resource management solutions. With digital tools such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) automation, GIS-based mapping and customer-centric platforms, we help cities move from infrastructure delivery to service reliability.
While the JJM funds have faced delays in some states, the programme has now been extended till 2028. JWIL has secured new projects under this mission, bringing tap water to rural households. In wastewater management, we are enhancing recycling and reuse, including the supply of treated water to industrial plants, signalling India’s shift toward a circular and sustainable water economy. As India celebrates its infrastructure transformation, JWIL remains committed to innovation, reliability and sustainability, delivering water, dignity and opportunity to millions.
“India’s water story has shifted from crisis management to service reliability.” Rishabh Sethi
Anju Sharma
Access to water supply in Himachal Pradesh has improved over last year, and the state has achieved several significant milestones. In rural areas, the state has attained 100 per cent saturation in providing functional household tap connections (FHTC) under the JJM.The availability of drinking water through tap connections has also been expanded to all schools (17,315) and anganwadis (17,892) under the programme. With respect to certification of rural households, of the 17,632 reported Har Ghar Jal villages; 15,108 (85.69 per cent) have been certified.
The state is also focused on making its cities water secure and self-sustainable through a circular economy of water. It is strategically targeting urban areas for this under programmes such as the AMRUT, which encompasses a set of urban reforms and capacity building initiatives. Broad measures under AMRUT 2.0 include equipping at least one ward in each urban local body with 24×7 water supply; emphasis on automation, SCADA and sensor-based monitoring elements; performance-based incentives for metering, non-revenue water (NRW) reduction and water tariffs; and performance-based disbursal of aid instalments.
What has been the progress under government missions and programmes such as AMRUT, JJM and SBM?
Shamim Akhtar
AMRUT has facilitated significant infrastructure creation, executing 328 water supply and sewerage projects. Key assets developed include five water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 405 million litres per day (mld), 6,445 km of distribution networks, 332 storage reservoirs and 0.924 million household connections. On the sewerage side, 14 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 408 mld, 3,200 km of sewer networks and 0.910 million household connections have been completed. Taking these efforts further, AMRUT 2.0 has sanctioned 455 projects, of which 316 are under execution. Planned assets include 42 water treatment plants with a cumulative capacity of 737 mld, 23,000 km of distribution pipelines, 920 reservoirs, 1,600 tube wells and 4.3 million household connections. Sewerage works include nine STPs aggregating 236 mld, 2,100 km of sewer networks and 0.5 million household connections. Collectively, these initiatives are driving the expansion of urban water and wastewater infrastructure.
Nandkishor Jagtap
The government has launched several flagship programmes, such as the AMRUT, the JJM and the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), with the objective of improving basic urban services, strengthening water supply and sanitation infrastructure, rejuvenating water bodies and enhancing the overall quality of life in cities.
Over the past five to seven years, PMC’s geographical jurisdiction and population have expanded significantly. As a local body, PMC faces constraints in addressing the growing demand for water supply and related infrastructure due to limited funding. However, support from central and state government schemes has enabled substantial progress. PMC initiated the Equitable Water Supply Scheme to address unequal water distribution and ensure equitable supply across the city under AMRUT 1.0. The 86 ESR/GSR tanks proposed under the programme aim to enhance storage capacity from 250.38 mld to 514.03 mld. Of these, 67 tanks have been completed, while the remainder are under construction or at the tendering stage. The scheme has achieved an overall physical progress of 87 per cent, with expected completion by December 31, 2025.
Steady progress has been witnessed under AMRUT 2.0 as well. To meet the long-term demand of old PMC limits and newly merged villages (population projected up to 2047), a 125 mld WTP along with a raw water pumping station has been proposed at Vadgaon (Bk.). The total cost is Rs 1.95 billion (plus Rs 270.2 million for seven years of operations and maintenance). This entails a funding structure of 25 per cent each by the central government and the Maharashtra government, and 50 per cent by PMC. The tender for the project has been floated, and technical scrutiny is under way. The availability of funding under AMRUT has enabled PMC to implement large-scale water sector infrastructure projects such as ESRs, GSRs and WTPs within a comparatively short time frame.
Arun Lakhani
The JJM has witnessed remarkable expansion, rapidly increasing piped water supply coverage across rural India. However, the pace and quality of execution have varied significantly across states, depending on their institutional capacity and activeness, leading to uneven outcomes. The sanitation sector requires a much larger outlay, which AMRUT 2.0 has rightly begun to focus on in its current version.
Rishabh Sethi
Government missions have transformed India’s water and sanitation sector. JJM has expanded rural tap water access from 32 million households in 2019 to 145 million at present, with Goa, Telangana and Haryana achieving 100 per cent coverage. AMRUT 2.0 drives reforms in over 500 cities with performance-linked incentives, promoting efficiency, metering and digital monitoring. SBM Phase II has improved urban sanitation coverage from 39 per cent in 2014 to near-universal, while Chennai’s public-private partnership (PPP)-based solid waste management model is now a global benchmark.
At JWIL, we have aligned our growth with these priorities. We have laid thousands of kilometres of pipelines and improved services for over 20 million people across 11 states. Our flagship projects include the 215 mld Bhandup STP in Mumbai, the 50 mld STP at Naini, Prayagraj, the 150 mld desalination project in Chennai, and the 60 mld SIPCOT desalination project. Recently, we secured a JJM project in Rajasthan that will cater to 1.5 million people, further expanding rural water access. Projects like Chandrawal Delhi, the Bhandup STP and several JJM initiatives demonstrate how technology, PPP frameworks and community engagement create measurable impact, enhance efficiency and strengthen resilience.
India’s water story has shifted from crisis management to service reliability. At JWIL, we deliver safe water and sanitation to millions, driving community upliftment and supporting India’s economic growth.
Anju Sharma
Government programmes have supported the establishment and expansion of water and wastewater infrastructure in the state. These missions have witnessed diverse targets and outcomes. For instance, JJM, launched in the country on August 15, 2019, has the objective of providing FHTC to every rural household. The mission, with an overall outlay of Rs 3,600 billion, is focused on building a service delivery system at the household level with a sufficient quantity of water (55 litres per capita per day) of prescribed quality, on a regular basis. In Himachal Pradesh, there are around 1.72 million rural households, of which 0.763 million were reported to have FHTCs prior to the launch of the JJM. The remaining 0.964 million households were covered under the mission. A total of 1,747 water supply schemes, amounting to Rs 63.95 billion, have been approved under the programme. As far as the financial aspects are concerned, Rs 51.68 billion has been received by the state so far, and an expenditure of Rs 51.65 billion has been incurred as per JJM guidelines, covering FHTC installation, support activities and water quality monitoring. Overall, 650 schemes have been completed and 1,097 are in progress. Moreover, information, education and communication-related activities are helping disseminate awareness on the importance of clean drinking water. Several such activities are being carried out under the JJM. These include the use of hoardings, radio jingles, documentaries, workshops and conferences.
Under AMRUT 2.0, Himachal Pradesh has prioritised urban water projects based on the scarcity-focused criteria, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. The State High Powered Steering Committee has approved 23 projects amounting to Rs 3.15 billion, comprising Rs 2.51 billion in central assistance (CA), Rs 0.28 billion in state assistance (SA) and Rs 0.36 billion in operations and maintenance (O&M), under the State Water Action Plan of Jal Shakti Vibhag. These 23 approved projects include 17 water supply projects amounting to Rs 2.99 billion (comprising Rs 2.38 billion in CA, Rs 0.26 billion in SA and Rs 0.35 billion in O&M). These projects have been awarded and are in progress. Further, two sewerage projects amounting to Rs 116 million (comprising Rs 97.2 million in CA, Rs 10.8 million in SA and Rs 8 million in O&M) have been approved. Under these projects, work on ensuring sewerage connectivity to left-out and low-lying areas and the upgradation of the Badah STP in Kullu is in progress. Additionally, four water body rejuvenation projects amounting to Rs 45 million (comprising Rs 37.8 million in CA, Rs 4.2 million in SA and Rs 3 million in O&M) have been approved. Work on three of these is in progress, while work on one water body near Ambedkar Bhawan Ward No. 4 in Aima, Palampur town, has been completed.
What initiatives are being taken to enhance wastewater treatment and reuse? What steps are being taken to promote circularity in urban water use?
Shamim Akhtar
The total volume of sewage generated by households in urban India in 2022 stood at 5,500 mld, amounting to an annual volume of 2,007.5 billion litres. Of this, as of March 2025, the estimated infrastructure capacity at the secondary level is 85 per cent (4,667 mld across 152 STPs). However, the actual collection and treatment is estimated at 58 per cent (3,176 mld), of which only a small proportion is reused. Future sewage generation in urban areas is projected to reach 6,500 mld by 2037. To meet this demand, 361 STPs with a total capacity of 3,291 mld are either under the construction, tendering, or proposal stages, under different programmes. These new STPs in the construction or tendering stage are planned to be commissioned by December 2026, while STPs in the planning stage are planned to be commissioned by December 2027. Therefore, the available treatment capacity should be 7,958 mld by December 2027.
Further, over 700 mld of treated used water is currently reused, of which about 113 mld is used for industrial purposes, construction, road cleaning, etc., while 587 mld is used in agriculture and horticulture. The remaining treated used water is discharged into natural streams.
To institutionalise water reuse and transition from a linear to a circular economy model, a state reuse treated water policy is also under development. The policy is founded on the following key strategic pillars:
Governance and institutional capacity building Technology and data-driven management: Promote the adoption of new technologies, improving data acquisition, and facilitate dedicated research and development to optimise reuse systems.
Incremental implementation: Roll out reuse programmes in phases, allowing time to build the necessary institutional and technical capacity within ULBs.
Stakeholder participation: Employ participatory planning processes that involve all relevant stakeholders, including potential end-users from industry, agriculture and municipal services.
Quality standards and risk management
“Fit-for-purpose” standards: Establish tailored water quality standards based on specific end-uses (irrigation, industrial cooling, toilet flushing, etc.) rather than a single, one-size-fits-all standard.
Precautionary approach: Implement a risk-based management framework to identify and mitigate potential health and environmental risks associated with different types of reuse.
Quality compliance incentives: Provide financial or regulatory incentives to projects that consistently meet or exceed the established water quality standards.
Economic and financial sustainability
- Competitive pricing: Structure the price of treated used water to be competitive with alternative water sources (groundwater, freshwater, etc.), making it an attractive option for users.
- Support for operations: Ensure pricing models or financial support programmes cover the long-term operation and maintenance costs, guaranteeing sustained system performance.
- Investment stability: Encourage projects to offer long-term commitments and consistent terms to provide stability and attract investment from both private players and end-users.
Market creation and allocation
- Mandatory reuse provisions: Drive demand by mandating reuse for specific applications, such as landscape irrigation, construction and industrial processes, wherever appropriate.
- Prioritised allocation: Develop a clear, transparent system for allocating treated used water to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits.
- Addressing informal use: Formally recognise and address existing informal uses of untreated wastewater, replacing them with safe, regulated reuse practices.
Service reliability and perception
- High-quality service provision: Ensure that reused water supply is reliable and consistent in quality to build trust and encourage adoption among users.
- Public awareness: Educate the public and industries on the benefits and safety of treated water reuse to overcome perceptual barriers.
- This multi-faceted framework aims to create a sustainable and scalable market for reused water, turning waste into a valuable resource and enhancing urban water security.
Nandkishor Jagtap
As per norms set by the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), the recommended maximum per capita water supply for metropolitan cities is 150 litres per capita per day (lpcd), distributed across various end uses such as drinking, cooking, bathing and flushing. In alignment with these guidelines, the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations make it mandatory for private developments to utilise recycled water from STPs. For non-potable purposes such as flushing and gardening, the prescribed recycled water allocation is approximately 45 lpcd. Leveraging modern treatment technologies, recycled water is being effectively utilised by PMC for applications such as flushing, gardening and construction activities. It has also been actively facilitating and monitoring the use of recycled water from private STPs. As of date, more than 500 buildings, housing nearly 50,000 families, are operating their own individual STPs. Collectively, these STPs have the potential to generate nearly 100 mld of recycled water, which amounts to approximately 1.3 thousand million cubic feet annually.
To further promote the use of recycled water, especially in the construction sector, PMC encourages its application for curing and cleaning purposes. Since potable water, as per IS code, is mandatory for concrete preparation, PMC provides treated water from its STPs free of cost for other construction-related activities. This initiative helps conserve freshwater resources while ensuring sustainable urban development.
Arun Lakhani
AMRUT 2.0 has placed a strong focus on wastewater treatment, providing a much-needed push to the sector. However, large-scale reuse of treated wastewater continues to face economic barriers. In most cases, the cost of treated water exceeds the cost of sourcing fresh water, especially when tariffs for fresh water remain low.
Circularity in urban water use has seen very limited progress. There are a few examples where treated wastewater is being utilised for non-potable purposes such as construction, horticulture and landscaping. However, these practices are limited to select towns and cities. Beyond these isolated cases, there is little evidence of systematic efforts.
Rishabh Sethi
India generates over 72,000 mld of wastewater, yet only around 40 per cent is treated. Shifting from “treat and dispose” to “treat and reuse” is essential for sustainable urban growth. Our flagship projects, including the 215 mld Bhandup STP in Mumbai and the 50 mld STP at Naini, Prayagraj, have positioned JWIL at the forefront of a circular, resource-efficient water economy. Further, with the 150 mld desalinated water supply project in Chennai, we are diversifying urban water sources and enhancing climate resilience. By leveraging PPP models, long-term contracts and one-zone-one-operator approaches, JWIL aims to build infrastructure that is reliable, scalable and future-ready. Drawing lessons from global leaders in water management, we combine technology, operations and community engagement to optimise water reuse, improve efficiency and support sustainable development.
Anju Sharma
Jal Shakti Vibhag, Himachal Pradesh, is taking concrete steps to strengthen wastewater treatment and promote circularity in urban water use. This is evident from its initiatives under government programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0. During the 11th meeting of the National Advisory and Review Committee, held on January 5, 2024, the state’s City Sanitation Action Plans for used water management were approved with an outlay of Rs 1.12 billion (central and state share). These comprised provisions for STP components in 13 towns worth Rs 0.25 billion, interception and diversion (I&D) works in 30 towns worth Rs 0.86 billion, and a desludging vehicle for MC Solan worth Rs 2.4 million. Further, in the 5th meeting of the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) on July 12, 2024, detailed project reports (DPR) for STPs in three towns (Shri Naina Devi Ji, Ghumarwin and Palampur), amounting to Rs 79.5 million, and for I&D works in 20 towns, amounting to Rs 560.2 million, were approved, with the condition that these DPRs be vetted by the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation before the final SLTC approval. DPRs for 12 towns are already under preparation/vetting, and those for the remaining projects are in progress. To accelerate execution, Rs 95.8 million was released on July 1, 2025 ,for seven towns – Palampur (for STP and I&D schemes) and Sunni, Rampur, Jogindarnagar, Ghumarwin, Baijnath and Sundernagar (for I&D schemes). Together, these initiatives reflect a structured push towards enhancing sewage treatment, expanding reuse potential and embedding circularity into the state’s urban water management framework.
What strategies are being adopted to reduce NRW?
Shamim Akhtar
A multi-faceted, technology-driven approach is being adopted to establish efficient distribution systems and significantly reduce water losses. The key strategies include:
Monitoring and measurement
- Bulk metering: Installing bulk water meters at the source (such as treatment plant outputs) and at strategic points along distribution mains. This enables accurate measurement of water entering different zones and helps pinpoint areas of major loss.
- Smart metering network: Deploying smart meters at important intermediate points and automatic meter reading meters at the consumer end to create a detailed, real-time picture of water flow across the network.
Real-time data and control (SCADA integration)
All meters are connected to the SCADA system. This enables utilities to monitor network performance 24×7 from a central location, identify and respond to leaks and bursts immediately, and analyse consumption patterns and pressure data to optimise operations.
Piloting continuous water supply (24×7)
- A fundamental shift from intermittent to continuous water supply is being pioneered.
- AMRUT-town initiative: Each city under the AMRUT mission has designated at least one ward for a pilot project for implementing 24×7 water supply.
- Ayodhya as a model project: The entire city of Ayodhya (all 18 wards) is being transitioned to a 24×7 supply system. Currently, three wards have already been successfully activated.
Results and behavioural change
The pilot in Ayodhya has demonstrated direct benefits, including improved service, with residents receiving water at high and consistent pressure, and reduced NRW. With the system continuously pressurised, illegal taps and background leaks are more visible and can be fixed quickly. Furthermore, with reliable supply and consumer behaviour changes, people are less likely to waste water or store excessive amounts, leading to a direct reduction in NRW.
Nandkishor Jagtap
A key challenge for PMC and for many Indian cities is the issue of NRW. According to CPHEEO norms, NRW should not exceed 15 per cent. However, in PMC, NRW levels are currently above 35 per cent in most zones. Through systematic interventions, PMC has succeeded in reducing NRW to around 29 per cent in 11 out of 141 zones. Under the Equitable Water Supply Scheme, PMC has developed detailed and systematic plans to reduce NRW. The entire service area has been divided into five sectors comprising 141 zones. Each zone is further subdivided into district metered areas (DMAs) of 1-5 sub-sections, resulting in a total of 368 DMAs across the city. These DMAs are isolated areas within a zone, created by closing boundary valves, which allow water flow and pressure to be continuously monitored through meters.
To further address this challenge, smart metering and monitoring systems are being introduced. Electromagnetic flow meters have been installed at each DMA to ensure accurate flow measurement and pressure monitoring. To enhance accountability at the consumer end, AMR meters are being installed at every property and household. This ensures that every drop of water consumed is accurately measured and billed, thereby minimising losses and unauthorised usage.
PMC is also modernising its WTPs with advanced technologies. In this process, wastewater generated from filter beds, clariflocculators and tube settlers is reused, thereby achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD) at WTPs. PMC operates a total of 17 WTPs at eight different locations, with capacities ranging from 5 mld to 500 mld, and a combined treatment capacity of approximately 1,800 mld. Of these, the Wadgaon WTP (250 mld) and the Parvati WTP (500 mld), with a combined capacity of 750 mld, are designed as ZLD plants, ensuring that no untreated water is released into the environment. For the remaining WTPs, PMC is in the process of developing recycling units to treat and reuse backwash water and clarifier wastewater, further enhancing water-use efficiency and sustainability.
In addition, PMC has piloted the use of robotic camera-based pipeline inspections. This innovative approach has successfully detected leakages, contamination points and illegal connections. Based on these results, PMC now plans to procure robotic inspection systems on a larger scale, given their effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Arun Lakhani
Significant emphasis, and rightly so, is being placed on reducing NRW. However, achieving a meaningful reduction is challenging without the creation of district metered areas and the implementation of 24×7 pressurised water supply systems. Encouragingly, many new projects are being designed with these principles in mind and are leveraging technology such as smart metering, sensors and GIS-based monitoring to systematically tackle NRW.
Rishabh Sethi
India continues to face the challenge of NRW, with some cities historically losing 40-50 per cent of their supply. However, this challenge has now become an opportunity to improve efficiency and reliability, and build citizen trust. Cities like Mysuru and Hubballi-Dharwad have already shown how over 20 per cent NRW reduction is possible through smart interventions.
At JWIL, we are proud to demonstrate measurable results on the ground. In our ongoing Chandrawal Water Supply Project in Delhi, we have adopted a “technology+operations+community model”:
- Technology: Smart meter deployment, SCADA integration, GIS-based leak detection and creation of DMAs.
- Operations: Predictive maintenance and proactive pressure management.
- Community: The Jal Mitra outreach and grievance redressal camps to build trust and encourage citizens to report leaks or illegal connections.
At JWIL, we see NRW not as a loss but as a driver of efficiency and reliability, turning every saved drop into a contribution towards India’s vision of 24×7 sustainable water supply for all.
Anju Sharma
Water accounted for under leakages is being considered as a potential area to be tapped by the state. The aim is to lower NRW by ensuring the right quality and proper operation of water infrastructure. To achieve this, one of the steps is leveraging Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQMS). Nearly 28,600 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members have been trained on WQMS under JJM. Further, around 14,200 individuals have been skilled in various trades such as plumbing, pump operation, fitting and electrical works, ensuring technical manpower at the village level. Community-led monitoring is also being promoted, with 69,409 women across 17,048 villages trained in water quality testing through field test kits (FTKs). Additionally, 3,615 Nal Jal Mitras are undergoing skilling to further strengthen local water management capacities.
Furthermore, water testing laboratories are being set up and used to test and ensure good quality of the water, which does not get wasted. For this, 58 out of the 72 water testing labs in the state are NABL-accredited/recognised for chemical parameters, while four district-level labs are NABL-accredited for bacteriological parameters. The process of NABL accreditation/recognition has been initiated for those labs whose accreditation/recognition has either expired or is going to expire in the coming months. In 2024-25, 305,682 lab tests have been completed against the annual target of 285,272, 130,694 FTK tests have been done against the annual target of 117,025, and 25,919 sanitary surveys have been completed out of the annual target of 28,561.
What are the key challenges being faced?
Shamim Akhtar
At the citizen level, challenges remain in terms of availability, quality and accessibility. Water supply is limited to two to three hours per day in most urban areas, especially in summer, with heavy dependence on groundwater. Despite centralised treatment, residents frequently use purifiers due to contamination risks from ageing infrastructure, untreated sewage and industrial waste. Slums and peri-urban settlements often face inequitable access, relying on private tankers or spending long hours fetching water. These burdens fall disproportionately on women and children.
At the city level, sustainability risks are pressing. Overdependence on single, distant bulk sources increases vulnerability, while nearly 48 per cent of urban water is drawn from over-exploited aquifers with little regulation or recharge. The Pollution of surface water due to untreated discharge and salinity ingress in coastal areas further reduce usable supply. Water-intensive agriculture in peri-urban areas also adds to the stress. Additionally, limited implementation of recharge structures, rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse constrains long-term sustainability.
Nandkishor Jagtap
Underground water leak detection continues to be one of the major technological challenges for cities across the world. Singapore has demonstrated global leadership by reducing its NRW to around 6 per cent, whereas most other cities report NRW levels ranging between 10 per cent and 50 per cent. Despite ongoing advancements, there is currently no universally assured technology available for reliable leak detection in underground water pipelines.
At present, acoustic technology remains the most widely used method. This technique detects leak sounds generated by water jets escaping from pipes, using devices such as ground microphones, noise correlators and smart balls. However, its effectiveness is limited due to the prerequisites of adequate line pressure and a noise-free environment. It is therefore evident that significant research and development (R&D) efforts are still required to develop cost-effective, scalable and safe technologies for leak detection. Prior to the implementation of AMR meters, water billing was carried out on a lump-sum basis, integrated with property. With the introduction of AMR meters, billing will be shifted to an actual consumption-based model with telescopic tariff rates. Consequently, there has been resistance from citizens to the installation of AMR meters.
Another major challenge lies in the infrastructure constraints within the core city areas, particularly the traditional “Peth” localities. These areas are characterised by narrow roads, high traffic density and the presence of multiple underground utilities. Such conditions significantly slow down the progress of pipeline laying and related works, thereby hampering the timely execution of projects. As compared to the very low water tariff rates, the cost of electronic AMR meters is quite high as they are imported from other countries.
Arun Lakhani
One of the foremost challenges in advancing water reuse is the economic viability of treated wastewater. Unless the cost of treatment is supported or freshwater tariffs are rationalised upward, industries and municipalities will continue to prefer cheaper freshwater sources. Addressing these will be critical if the reuse that the government is pushing for is to become a normal and expected norm.
Rishabh Sethi
India’s water and wastewater sector has made significant strides, but structural and systemic challenges remain. The first is climate variability. From Chennai’s alternating droughts and floods to groundwater stress in Punjab and Rajasthan, our water supply systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks. This calls for resilient planning, diversified sources and a stronger focus on reuse. The second is ageing urban infrastructure. Many of our cities still operate with networks that are several decades old. Rehabilitation and modernisation are essential to deliver continuous, safe and reliable services. The third, and perhaps the most critical, is the mindset shift. For too long, water has been seen as an entitlement. But the future requires it to be viewed as a shared responsibility, with citizens, utilities, governments and private players all playing their part in valuing and conserving every drop.
At JWIL, we believe these challenges are also opportunities. With the right blend of technology, financing and community participation, India can leapfrog towards sustainable water security. Our projects in 24×7 supply, NRW reduction and wastewater reuse demonstrate that when innovation meets ownership, the toughest challenges can be transformed into pathways for growth. Success stories show that with the right mix of financing, innovation and partnerships, these challenges can be overcome.
Anju Sharma
Himachal Pradesh, being a hill state, faces its own difficulties and challenges in providing drinking water to the far-flung and scattered habitations/households located in rural areas. Although Himachal Pradesh is among the few leading states in terms of coverage percentage, several schemes are still under way and work needs to be completed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the installed FHTCs. Increased climate change impact on water sources due to long dry spells and frequent cloud bursts is adversely affecting the sustainability of water sources. Rapid urbanisation is threatening the long-term sustainability of schemes in peri-urban zones. There is a large gap in the levels of water supply in rural and urban areas at 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and 135 lpcd, respectively.
Due to undulating topography and large elevation differences, the equitable distribution of drinking water is a major challenge in the hill state. This requires a large-scale deployment of manpower in water distribution to regulate supply. Ensuring 24×7 water supply to the state’s tribal areas, especially during winter, is also a big challenge. Temperatures in these areas drop below minus 25 degrees Celsius during winter and water freezes in the pipes. Besides, the increased dependence on lift water supply schemes due to limited availability of sustainable gravity-based sources is leading to high energy consumption.
What are the key trends that are likely to shape the Indian water and sewerage sector in the coming years?
Shamim Akhtar
The rapid pace of India’s development is accelerating urbanisation, driving significant demographic shifts and intensifying pressure on water resources. This trend presents critical challenges that demand proactive and strategic solutions. To avert a severe water crisis, a multi-pronged approach will be essential in the coming years. This approach includes strengthening public water supply systems. Further, there is a need to augment, modernise and strengthen public water supply infrastructure to meet rising demand and ensure equitable access. Further, source sustainability needs to be prioritised. For groundwater recharge, implementing large-scale measures for artificial recharge is non-negotiable in order to replenish depleting aquifers. Diversifying water sources by developing and protecting rivers, lakes and reservoirs is crucial for long-term security.
Innovation in sewage management is equally important. A paradigm shift is needed from large, centralised STPs towards decentralised and smaller-scale STPs. These can be managed at the colony or community level, improving efficiency and local ownership. Educating citizens on the importance of sewage treatment, water conservation and the value of reuse is critical for success. Lastly, treated wastewater must be recognised as a valuable resource rather than waste. It should be mandated and integrated for non-potable applications such as irrigation, industrial cooling and landscaping, thereby reducing freshwater demand.
Nandkishor Jagtap
The primary source of water for PMC continues to be reservoirs, which remain constant despite the growing population and increasing demand. To bridge this widening demand-supply gap, the adoption of alternative water management practices will be crucial in the coming years. One of the most significant emerging trends is wastewater recycling and reuse. Treated wastewater is increasingly being deployed for non-potable applications such as construction activities, gardening, flushing and groundwater recharge. This will not only help conserve freshwater but also strengthen long-term sustainability. Equally important is the reduction in water consumption and wastage. Demand-side management measures, such as awareness campaigns and responsible usage policies, are becoming a priority to ensure efficient utilisation of limited water resources. The water sector in the coming years will also be shaped by smart water metering, monitoring technologies and aggressive reduction of NRW.
For promoting reasonable water use, metered water supply is essential. However, in most multi-storeyed buildings, water meters are installed only at the common overhead or underground tanks. In such cases, individual consumption is not monitored, often resulting in wastage or excessive use by some flat owners.
A good example of effective water management has been observed at Nanded City, Pune, a township of nearly 5,000 flats. The plumbing system is designed with a single water inlet pipe for each flat, and individual prepaid water meters are installed. This ensures that every household is accountable for its own consumption. As a result, the average water usage in the township is just about 125 lpcd, which is both reasonable and sustainable. Based on this model, it is strongly recommended to make individual metering mandatory in all newly constructed buildings. Such a step would not only reduce wastage but also promote equity, accountability and efficient water use in urban residential complexes.
Arun Lakhani
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to define the sector’s trajectory. PPPs are likely to play a greater role in financing and operating water and wastewater infrastructure. The reuse of treated wastewater in industries and agriculture is expected to gain traction, which could free up freshwater resources for drinking and domestic use. However, policy and tariff reforms will be critical enablers for this.
Rishabh Sethi
The next decade promises a transformation for India’s water and sewerage sector, shaped by three defining trends.
- Digital water: With over 100 smart cities and AMRUT 2.0 driving digital reforms, IoT sensors, AI analytics and SCADA monitoring are becoming mainstream. In Delhi’s Chandrawal 24×7 project, JWIL has deployed GIS mapping and automated DMAs, reducing NRW. These interventions demonstrate how technology can directly improve service reliability. Globally, countries like Singapore and Israel are leading with smart water networks while India is rapidly catching up, proving that data-driven utilities can operate efficiently at scale.
- Circular economy: India generates over 72,000 mld of wastewater, but only 40 per cent is treated. The shift from “treat and dispose” to “treat and reuse” will define sustainability. JWIL’s Bhandup STP in Mumbai exemplifies large-scale wastewater management that supports reuse, resource recovery and climate-resilient urban systems, aligning with global best practices in water circularity.
- Future-ready utilities: Utilities are evolving from EPC contractors to integrated service providers, responsible for long-term operations, digital monitoring and sustainability. With missions such as JJM connecting 145 million rural households, India demands not just infrastructure but assured, reliable service. JWIL is at the forefront of India’s water transformation, delivering end-to-end water solutions that blend technology, innovation and community engagement.
India’s water story has evolved from scarcity to service, and is now moving towards sustainability and circularity. Projects such as improvement in water supply in package-2 Chandrawal Delhi, Bhandup STP and JJM initiatives demonstrate that technology, PPP models and community engagement deliver results. The next leap requires collaboration, digitalisation, circular practices and integrated water-sewerage management. Every project is about building resilience, dignity and opportunity for millions.
Anju Sharma
As Himachal Pradesh looks forward to building a robust foundation for the sector, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring good water quality in the state. Implementing support agencies have been empanelled in the state to provide community-level support. Moreover, 103 gram panchayats have signed MoUs for the takeover of in-village water supply infrastructure, and 163 schemes have already been fully handed over to the PRIs, thereby promoting ownership and long-term sustainability. The state’s Panchayati Raj Department has recently notified the standard operating procedure for the handover of schemes to PRIs.
Extensive efforts are also being made for training and capacity building to strengthen future grassroots-level implementation.
