Water problem? Recycle sewage!

Water problem? Recycle sewage!
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Highlights

Water problem? Recycle sewage! The Water Board plans to set up mini Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in gated communities and apartments which will be used for gardening and flushing.

Mini STPs in apartments

Trial run at Jalagam Vengal Rao Park

Reduce, recycle and reuse – the mantra

Water can be used for all uses except drinking

Price a set back, a whopping Rs 1 crore

The Water Board plans to set up mini Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in gated communities and apartments which will be used for gardening and flushing. The novel idea, intended to solve water crisis, comes at an exorbitant cost of Rs 1 crore. Will city dwellers buy the idea or go for a cost effective measure of paying just Rs 1,000 for a water tanker?

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) authorities have come up with a new initiative. They are planning to set up mini STPs in apartments and gated communities in Greater Hyderabad. As the water levels in ground and reservoirs are depleting, the Water Board authorities came up with a plan to treat sewage and the treated water for gardening, floor cleaning and flushing.

Sources in the Water Board said that these STPs would be set up in gated communities and in apartments which have more than 50 flats. The STPs would be constructed by pooling funds, which the residents would have to contribute.

On a pilot run basis, a mini STP is being planned to be set up at Jalagam Vengala Rao Park within three months. The authorities are hoping that the benefits of the STP would inspire residents in apartments and gated communities.

Reportedly the Water Board authorities have identified 12,000 apartments in the city which have more than 50 flats. The authorities have informed that they are ready to set up mini STPs at apartments located in areas where the ground water levels are low, if the residents’ associations come forward.

The mini STPs work on the principle of 3Rs- Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. The authorities say that the R system is widely used in many developed countries.

Price might be a set back

Mini STPs employ Aeration and Reverse Osmosis (RO) techniques to treat water. It is estimated that 60 per cent of water can be reused. Thermax, a city-based firm, is using this technology and has submitted a proposal to offer its services to the Water Board. However, the cost involved in setting up the STP might be a huge setback. It is estimated that the cost of installation would be around Rs 1 crore.

Sources say that the Water Board plans to only provide technical assistance and the construction cost has to be borne by the residents of apartments and gated communities. There is also a proposal where the Water Board would bear half of the construction cost. However, the debt ridden Water Board is unlikely to accept the proposal.

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