Gurgaon: More parts of the city are likely to start receiving treated wastewater as GMDA plans to expand the recycled water pipeline network across sectors 1 to 80. The project aims to increase the supply of treated water for non-potable uses such as construction, industrial operations, and the maintenance of parks, green belts and water bodies, reducing dependence on freshwater for these activities.Officials said a consultant will soon be appointed to identify missing stretches in the existing treated water pipeline network and prepare a detailed project report. The consultant will assess the existing infrastructure, map uncovered stretches and prepare the design, alignment and cost estimates required to complete the network. Based on the report, the remaining treated water pipelines will be laid in phases.“Once the network is expanded, it will help reduce the use of freshwater for activities where drinking water quality is not required,” a GMDA official said.At present, around 120km of treated water pipeline network has been laid across sectors 31, 32, 40, 41, 45, 49, 50, 51, 52, 58, 59, 63, 65, 69 and 70. Several other developed sectors continue to rely on canal water or groundwater for non-potable purposes because they are not connected to the treated water network.The city currently generates around 243 million litres per day (MLD) of tertiary treated water from its sewage treatment plants. Of this, about 202 MLD is being used for irrigation, industrial purposes, groundwater recharge, and the maintenance of parks, green belts and water bodies. Officials said the absence of pipeline connectivity in many areas has restricted supply, leaving part of the available treated water unutilised.Last month, the CEO of GMDA, PC Meena, directed officials to ensure 100% utilisation of tertiary treated water generated in the city within six months. He also instructed that treated water should not be discharged into the Najafgarh drain and instead be put to productive use wherever possible.Meanwhile, upgradation of the 90 MLD and 75 MLD sewage treatment plants at Behrampur and Dhanwapur is underway and is expected to be completed by Aug 2027. The projects will add around 165 MLD of tertiary treated water for reuse.Officials said expanding the treated water distribution network will improve utilisation of recycled water while helping conserve freshwater resources as Gurgaon’s demand for water continues to rise with rapid urbanisation and population growth.
