The Hindu Business Line : Awareness on water reuse gaining ground

“We have a long way to go. India recycles only 0.3 per cent of its consumption while it is as high as 11 per cent in Singapore. However, domestic and industrial users are fast realising its importance,” said Mr S Shanmugam, head, business development Water Today, an independent body that promotes water reuse.

Going by the response to the recent Water Expo 2007 in Mumbai, a small beginning appears to be gaining momentum among domestic and industrial users.

Over 120 Indian and international companies displayed their wares in the three-day expo that attracted a large crowds, which included a sizable number from the industry and government such as the Maharashtra Water Board, L&T, Siemens and Reliance Industries.

“A farmer who has 18,000 heads of cattle, was keen on knowing how much water he could save by using a recycling unit,” said Mr Shanmugam.

Focus on schools

The organisers have zeroed in on schools. “Schools would be the best place to kick-start any innovative projects. We want to educate children on the importance of wastewater treatment so that they can spread the message around,” said Mr K.P. Pravinjith, Managing Director, Paradigm Environmental Strategies.

Paradigm, a consultancy firm that undertakes turnkey projects on rainwater harvesting and decentralised wastewater treatment, is to set up a decentralised wastewater recycling system (DTS) to treat 6,000 litres a day at Adarsh School in Badlapur at a cost of Rs. 3.5 lakh. It is also in the process of mapping the Badlapur Municipal Corporation area for setting up DTS.

Biogas production

Treated water will be used for gardening, while the biogas produced can be supplied to the kitchen. The biogas production is proportional to the organic load in the waste water characterized by the chemical oxygen demand (COD).

“ About 4,000 litres of wastewater which is typically generated by eight households with 40 persons can generate about 1000 litres of biogas, which is equal to about 0.5 litres of diesel,” said Mr Pravinjith.

The biogas that is incidental produced during the treatment is captured for thermal applications. It offsets consumption of valuable fossil fuel and reduces methane emissions as well.

Paradigm is set to commission a DTS plant at the Manipal Hospital by February.