The Delhi administration has drafted the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026, mandating the use of treated wastewater for construction, horticulture and other non‑drinking purposes. The initiative aims to cut potable water demand, lower household bills and bolster long‑term water security.

  • Delhi treats about 400 MGD of wastewater daily, but only 120 MGD is currently reused.
  • The new policy makes treated water mandatory for construction, landscaping, horticulture and vehicle washing.
  • Dual‑pipeline systems and dedicated metering will enable precise monitoring and billing.

Background

Water Minister Parvesh Verma disclosed that the city’s sewage treatment plants handle roughly 750 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage, producing around 400 MGD of reclaimed water ready for reuse.

Policy Objective

Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 seeks to dramatically increase the reuse of treated wastewater in non‑potable sectors, preserving drinking‑water supplies for essential household needs.

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Current Utilisation vs Target

At present, only about 120 MGD of reclaimed water is in use. The government plans to mobilise the remaining 280 MGD for construction sites, horticultural projects, landscaping, farmhouses, vehicle‑washing stations and residential societies.

Technical Implementation

Residential complexes may be fitted with dual‑pipeline networks, separating potable water from reclaimed water. Where dedicated pipelines are absent, tankers will deliver reclaimed water on demand.

Financial Mechanism

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will install separate connections and meters for reclaimed water, allowing consumption tracking and a dedicated billing system. Users could benefit from a 50‑70% discount while staying within the free entitlement of 20,000 litres per month.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that successful rollout could cut the city’s overall water consumption by 15‑20%, mitigating future shortages driven by population growth and urban expansion.

"Broad adoption of reclaimed water not only safeguards drinking water supplies but also reduces household water bills," says water specialist Dr. Anju Sharma.
Did You Know?: Delhi’s first reclaimed‑water pilot began in 2005, reusing just 30 MGD of treated water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will residents have to pay extra for dual‑pipeline installations?
A: No additional fees are planned; the costs will be covered by the public budget.

Q2: How will reclaimed water be supplied to homes without dedicated pipelines?
A: Tanker deliveries based on demand will provide the water, and usage will be measured through portable meters.