Permission to sell up to 50% of treated water granted

Treated water from STPs can be sold for construction purposes

Tankers must be labeled as "reuse water transport vehicles"

The Karnataka government has approved a significant measure aimed at addressing the water scarcity issue in the city. In response to the ongoing water crisis, residential complexes in Bengaluru have been granted permission to sell up to 50% of treated water obtained from their Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for various purposes, including construction activities.

A notification issued recently outlined the detailed guidelines for this initiative. It stipulates that apartment complexes can now market their surplus water for uses such as construction, horticulture, firefighting, mining, and groundwater replenishment. However, it is essential for these complexes to adhere to the quality standards set by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for treated water.

Under these regulations, both sellers and buyers are responsible for ensuring the quality of the water before any transactions take place. This decision follows a proposal submitted by Bangalore’s Apartment Federation (BAF), which emphasized the significant volume of treated wastewater being wasted due to excess production.

Moreover, the notification mandates certain security measures for units involved in selling treated water, including maintaining a logbook and implementing CCTV surveillance on their premises. Additionally, vehicles transporting this recycled water are required to be clearly labeled as “reuse water transport vehicles.”

This move by the Karnataka government reflects a proactive approach towards tackling the water scarcity issue in Bengaluru while also promoting sustainable water management practices within the city.