Hyderabad takes a green turn: Treated wastewater to replace freshwater at construction sites

The initiative was formally launched on Friday at the Vasavi Ananda Nilayam construction site, where MMC Commissioner Vinay Krishna Reddy flagged off green water tankers. Vasavi Group became the first construction company in the municipal corporation limits to voluntarily adopt treated wastewater for its construction activities.

The programme is intended to reduce the construction industry's dependence on potable water and groundwater, particularly ahead of the summer months when demand for freshwater typically increases. Officials said the initiative would encourage builders to adopt sustainable water-management practices while ensuring that treated wastewater generated at sewage treatment plants is put to productive use.

Speaking at the launch, Commissioner Vinay Krishna Reddy urged construction companies to replace drinking water and groundwater with tertiary-treated wastewater wherever suitable. He directed town planning officials to take steps to ensure that construction companies comply with the proposed water-conservation measures. He also appreciated Vasavi Group for taking the lead in implementing the initiative.

HMWSSB Malkajgiri Region Executive Director Pankaja explained that treated wastewater should be used specifically for non-potable construction activities, including concrete curing, dust suppression and cleaning. She said joint monitoring teams comprising MMC Assistant City Planners and Water Board Deputy General Managers would be constituted to oversee implementation and encourage wider adoption across construction sites.

A major advantage of the initiative is the availability of substantial quantities of treated wastewater from three sewage treatment plants within the MMC limits. Officials said the Saroornagar and Patel Cheruvu STPs can each supply 2.50 million litres per day, while the Safilguda STP can provide another 0.60 million litres per day. Together, these facilities make 5.60 million litres, or 56 lakh litres, of tertiary-treated wastewater available daily for reuse.

Importantly, the Water Board will supply the treated wastewater free of charge, with consumers required to bear only the transportation expenses. Construction companies can register their own tankers as green water tankers or book supplies through the Dial-a-Green Tanker service.

For bookings and additional information, builders and other interested users can contact the Water Board helpline at 155313.

The initiative is expected to provide an environmentally responsible alternative to freshwater consumption in construction, a sector that requires considerable quantities of water for various activities. By diverting treated wastewater towards suitable industrial and construction applications, authorities hope to preserve freshwater resources for domestic consumption and other essential needs.

The launch was attended by HMWSSB Executive Director Pankaja, Director B. Narayana, LB Nagar Zonal Commissioner Vikas Mahato, officials from MMC and the Water Board, and representatives of Vasavi Group.

With 56 lakh litres of treated wastewater available every day, the programme represents an important step towards promoting a circular water economy in Hyderabad, where wastewater is increasingly viewed as a reusable resource rather than a disposal burden.