PLANNING AND DESIGN OF RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEMS

Abstract

People across our country are facing critical water shortages and droughts. One of the most important resources of water in our country is groundwater, and the levels are depleting faster than the recharge capacities. The water crisis can be very critical if new sustainable sources are not found. Reclaimed water can be seen as a feasible and sustainable substitute to add to the rising water demands. Several Indian states have pushed for the utilization of recycled water for non-potable purposes. Haryana has issued a new policy on “Re-use of treated wastewater” in 2019. Implementation of such policies requires proper planning and designing of the reclaimed water systems, for optimized costs and efficient use. In the study area Gurgaon, the recycled water is currently in use in several sectors, and the demands for sectors 1-57 was calculated to be 50MLD. Still, the actual usage is around 20 MLD, including 2MLD supply to the textile industries. The current demand based on user-to-user was calculated, and also for further increasing the demand new potential users were identified in the study, also further the water network plan for accommodating was also made. For the analysis part of the existing system, the water network was analyzed on WaterGems software for pressures, and it had sufficient pressure at all junctions (above 10m). For the quality analysis of the current system all processes of the plant, and the user-end outlets were chosen and checked for parameters as recommended by CPHEEO. The policy for water re-use requires 25% TWW re-use by 2021 but currently that target is not being met yet due to lack of customer awareness and acceptance towards reclaimed water. Also, the quality of water being supplied is not meeting the standards as given in the CPHEEO manual. So, further recommendations to improve the system have been given, and new potential customers also identified to increase demand and make the program sustainable to be done on that aspect.