Karnataka, India: Wastewater Reuse Potential: Rapid Assessment of Urban Wastewater Reuse Opportunities in Three Cities of Karnataka
Water availability has become an important driver for facilitating economic growth in the state of Karnataka. As only 20% of water supplied is consumed, and the balance of 80% is wastewater, treatment and reuse of this wastewater will reduce the pressure to augment water supply from freshwater sources. The Government of Karnataka and respective city governments need to frame suitable policies and facilitate cost-effective solutions for the reuse of wastewater to meet this demand.
In this context, this report documents an assessment of the wastewater reuse potential in three cities. The study attempts to assess: urban water demand; on-going and planned wastewater treatment and reuse initiatives; potential for maximizing reuse in the short, medium, and long term; and potential for income generation to improve the financial viability of such projects. Finally, the report offers recommendations for an enabling policy framework in Karnataka to facilitate the reuse of wastewater and encourage public-private partnerships in the sector.