India’s urban water and wastewater sector is being rapidly expanded through infrastructure modernisation, digitalisation and sustainability-focused initiatives. Urban local bodies (ULBs) are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening these systems and taking proactive steps to improve them. Their focus areas include improving operational efficiency, reducing non-revenue water (NRW), and promoting wastewater recycle and reuse. Utilities are adopting technologies such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, smart metering, and leak detection tools. They are also expanding their water and wastewater treatment capacities, promoting the reuse of treated wastewater, and exploring public-private partnership (PPP) models for infrastructure development and operations and maintenance. At a recent India Infrastructure conference, senior representatives from various ULBs outline the key initiatives in this space. Edited excerpts…
BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is focused on reducing the extent of NRW in Mumbai and strengthening its long-term water sustainability through a combination of infrastructure augmentation, advanced technology deployment and customer management-focused reforms. The city’s NRW levels have already declined from around 33 per cent to nearly 29 per cent, and BMC is implementing several additional measures to further improve the efficiency. These include a customer relationship management strategy involving 24×7 call centres, SCADA systems, GIS mapping and other initiatives. Pilot projects have also been undertaken in several areas, including Mulund, focused on reducing water losses through district metered area-based monitoring and SCADA integration.
These initiatives are particularly significant given the scale and complexity of Mumbai’s water distribution system, which spans nearly 4,000-5,000 km and serves highly dense urban settlements and slum areas that account for nearly 30-40 per cent of the city’s area. To manage this extensive network efficiently, BMC has established a well organised system for water audit and network monitoring. The primary water network, covering the segment from the source to the water treatment plant (WTP) membrane bioreactor (MBR), is monitored on a daily basis by the master control centre at the Bhandup Complex. The secondary water network, extending from the MBR to service reservoirs, is monitored on a daily basis through the central control centre under zonal distribution control. Meanwhile, the tertiary water network, covering the distribution network from service reservoirs to distribution zones, is overseen by the respective zonal distribution heads.
In line with these efforts to strengthen water monitoring and operational efficiency, BMC has also undertaken extensive metering initiatives across the city. Of the total 408,492 household tap water connections provided by BMC, nearly 98 per cent (399,091 connections) are currently metered connections. To further improve the monitoring accuracy of water consumption measurement and billing efficiency, BMC is evaluating the replacement of conventional mechanical meters with electromagnetic and ultrasonic meters, although concerns regarding reliability and performance of these advanced meters under intermittent supply conditions remain under review. Pilot projects involving smart water meters and wireless communication systems were also undertaken in areas such as Andheri, with regular performance assessments being carried out under different installation and operational conditions to evaluate their long-term suitability for Mumbai’s water distribution network. At present, around 95,000 automated meter reading meters of sizes ranging from 15 mm to 100 mm have been installed across BMC’s jurisdiction.
Building on these metering and monitoring initiatives, BMC is also undertaking various innovative pilot projects to explore digital and technological solutions for water management. A key example includes a cloud-based smart water management internet of things-based platform called “Drop by drop” for smart water billing, tariff calculations, geographical asset management and SCADA integration.
Beyond its focus on NRW reduction and smart water management, BMC is also pursuing major infrastructure projects to meet Mumbai’s future water demand, which is projected to reach nearly 6,000 million litres per day (mld) by 2041. As part of these efforts, the civic body is investing close to Rs 160 billion in sewage treatment plants (STPs), with plans to reuse tertiary treated wastewater for potable and domestic purposes through conveyance systems linked to the Bhandup Complex and Vihar Lake. In addition, BMC has awarded contracts for large scale WTPs with a combined capacity of 2,000 mld, along with a desalination project worth nearly Rs 100 billion to an Israel-based company. The desalination plant is expected to initially produce around 200 mld of water, with plans to scale up the capacity to 600 mld within four years. Through these initiatives, BMC aims to strengthen Mumbai’s long term water security while simultaneously addressing NRW challenges and meeting the city’s growing future water demand.
“BMC aims to strengthen Mumbai’s long-term water security while simultaneously addressing NRW challenges and meeting the city’s growing future water demand.” BMC
BWSSB
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), established in 1964, currently serves a service area of 800 square km (sq. km) and caters to a population of around 14 million. BWSSB has achieved 100 per cent water supply coverage across its jurisdiction, supplying around 2,293 mld of water through a pipeline network spanning nearly 14,400 km. Given Bengaluru’s distant water source and rising groundwater depletion, the board is increasingly focusing on sustainability through treated wastewater reuse to ensure safe and continuous water supply while reducing the financial burden on the utility.
BWSSB currently operates 1,349 mld of sewage treatment capacity, with an additional 800 mld expected by the end of 2026, and manages a sewerage network spanning 12,000 km. Around 35 STPs with a total capacity of 1,200 mld are under construction. Moreover, nine STPs have been developed along Bengaluru’s periphery, comprising five with secondary treatment and four with tertiary treatment processes. BWSSB has 1.15 million metered connections, with a collection efficiency of 99.9 per cent.
In order to strengthen wastewater reuse, BWSSB operates four water reclamation plants with a combined capacity of 73 mld. These plants supply high quality treated wastewater for non-potable reuse to entities such as the Bangalore International Airport, Bharat Electronics Limited, railways and industries. Additionally, 40 mld of tertiary treated water is supplied to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, 60 mld to the Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC) and 15 mld to KPC’s gas-based power plant at Yelahanka, while 350 mld is pumped to lakes in Kolar district.
BWSSB is also developing a PPP-based project to supply around 84 mld of ultrafiltered and disc-filtered water to industries and data centres in Bengaluru’s peripheral areas through dedicated water pipelines. Under the model, concessionaires will invest in laying and maintaining the infrastructure for 15-20 years. The project has an estimated capex of Rs 1.97 billion over 15 years, with a projected internal rate of return (IRR) of over 17 per cent. The revenue potential of the project is Rs 550 million. Private players are expected to invest 75 per cent of the cost, while the remaining 25 per cent is proposed to be funded under central government schemes.
Other than this, BWSSB is undertaking a project for artificial intelligence (AI)-based advanced metering infrastructure, focused on high-revenue non-domestic consumers. Of the utility’s 1.15 million metered connections, around 15 per cent are non-domestic connections. In the first phase, around 100,000 smart meters equipped with data collection, transfer, storage and AI-enabled analytics will be deployed using long-range technology. The system will support demand forecasting, leakage detection, pressure optimisation, meter health monitoring and identification of unauthorised usage, with the objective of reducing NRW, improving billing efficiency and strengthening financial sustainability. BWSSB also plans to establish a special purpose vehicle for the implementation of the system, with funding through debt servicing and repayment mechanisms.
Another major initiative is a project for the conversion of biogas generated from six STPs into compressed biogas. BWSSB plans to inject purified methane into the city gas network, nearly tripling revenue generation. The model involves private concessionaires handling purification and gas injection, while BWSSB retains ownership of land, plants and gas generation infrastructure.
Further, BWSSB is pursuing revival of the Arkavathy river up to TG Halli through a PPP-based river regeneration project. The river, which was Bengaluru’s primary water source before the Cauvery system, stretches over 53 km in the identified upstream section and covers an area of 1,400 sq. km across four districts, 10 taluks and 1,107 villages. The project aims to combine river restoration with revenue generating activities to improve viability for private concessionaires. Around 256 acres of land has been identified, of which nearly 60 acres is being considered to achieve an IRR of more than 18 per cent on the project. BWSSB is also exploring financial support through the Urban Challenge Fund and Housing and Urban Development Corporation loans, with the project currently at the conceptual stage. Through these initiatives, BWSSB aims to improve its long-term self-sustainability while reducing dependence on government funding.
“The board is increasingly focusing on sustainability through treated wastewater reuse to ensure safe and continuous water supply while reducing the financial burden on the utility.” BWSSB
NDMC
According to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the concept of a circular economy is gaining increasing importance in the urban water sector, with sewage now being recognised as a valuable resource rather than mere waste. Biogas and manure generated from sewage have the potential to transform STPs into self-reliant and revenue-generating facilities. In Delhi, around 3,632 mld of sewage is generated, of which 2,724 mld is currently being treated, creating substantial opportunities for resource recovery. The treatment process produces nearly 1,507 mld of usable treated effluent. Currently, treated effluent reuse stands at around 20 per cent, while sludge valorisation has reached around 15 to 20 per cent. Additionally, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using biogas have achieved around 70 per cent energy self-sufficiency. This highlights the key focus on biogas-based power generation across multiple STPs in the city. Across the seven STPs located at Okhla, Rithala, Yamuna Vihar, Chilla, Delhi Gate, Pappankala and Nilothi, biogas-based power is being generated as part of a broader sustainable sewage management strategy. Between April 2023 and February 2024, these plants collectively generated around 14.44 million kWh of power, demonstrating the growing potential of energy recovery from wastewater infrastructure.
Further, meant to address existing gaps in wastewater treatment and reuse, the proposed integrated sewage management (ISM) framework provides a practical pathway for transitioning from a conventional disposal-based approach to a circular recovery model in urban wastewater management. The framework emphasises decentralised WWTPs with comprehensive sewage collection systems and advanced treatment technologies such as integrated fixed-film activated sludge, MBR systems, advanced oxidation processes and nutrient recovery mechanisms that maximise resource recovery and improve treatment efficiency. It also promotes the adoption of internet-of-things-enabled monitoring systems and eco-engineering solutions to strengthen stormwater management. Moreover, public engagement is expected to improve network reliability and build acceptance for non-potable water reuse. Under the ISM framework, sewage is being viewed as a recoverable resource capable of generating water, nutrients and energy for agricultural, industrial, urban and environmental applications, including crop cultivation, industrial cooling operations, landscaping, water body rejuvenation and ecological restoration.
The total revenue potential under ISM through wastewater reuse, sludge utilisation and biogas-based energy recovery is estimated at around Rs 21.10 billion per annum. Of this, wastewater reuse accounts for the largest share, with the potential reuse capacity expected to increase from the current 527 mld to around 1,850 mld, generating estimated savings of nearly Rs 19.82 billion annually. Alongside, the treatment of around 800 million gallons per day (mgd) of sewage could generate approximately Rs 510 million through sludge utilisation. Biogas-based power generation also presents significant savings potential. Based on the current power production of Rs 168.5 million from treating 159 mgd of sewage, the total savings from energy recovery could increase to around Rs 770 million annually if the entire 800 mgd of sewage is treated.
Furthermore, ULBs in Delhi have undertaken water body rejuvenation initiatives, including the restoration of the
Rajokari waterbody using recycled water. The project involved removal of encroachments, demarcation of the catchment area, redesigning of the surface to maximise rainwater capture and other components. A wetland-based STP was also set up to treat the sewage in a sustainable manner. Other initiatives include the creation of the Pappankala waterbody, where tertiary treated water and rainwater are being discharged for the replenishment and restoration of the waterbody.
However, despite the significant progress made in resource recovery and wastewater reuse, several technical, regulatory and public health-related challenges continue to affect the effective management of wastewater. Technically, treatment processes are designed based on the quality parameters of raw sewage; however, the heterogeneous nature of sewage and the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, microplastics and others in biosolids limit their safe reuse, particularly in agriculture. Additionally, the selection of appropriate treatment technology remains a complex decision, as it depends on the desired quality of the by-products. On the regulatory front, the absence of globally unified standards and inconsistent regional regulations for sewage-derived products, including biosolids and treated water, hinder the wider adoption and replication of advanced treatment technologies.
“The proposed ISM framework provides a practical pathway for transitioning from a conventional disposal-based approach to a circular recovery model in urban wastewater management.” NDMC
