10 grey water recycling systems for city soon

In a move to reduce fresh water usage and to create awareness among people about recycling waste water, the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is set to instal 10 grey water recycling systems in different parts of the city. 

To be implemented under the Sustainable Water Security Mission project, which was proposed by the state government last year, currently the locations are being selected by CMWSSB officials. 

“We will establish this system in public places and big apartments and we will make the public aware on how to treat grey water and how it can be used again. Further, around 40 per cent of fresh water can be conserved using grey water,” said a hydro-geologist. 

Official sources said that the CMWSSB has continuously been taking measures to improve water resources in the city. They first started constructing recharge wells and now the department is gearing up to identify public places like government hostels and even private apartments to instal such treatment system for the public. 

“A study from the Central Water Commission has indicated that every person living in the urban area is spending 136 litres of water per day for activities that include bathing, washing clothes and for toilet usage. So, it is inevitable to implement such a system in the city,” said an CMWSSB official requesting anonymity. 

Even Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) had made such system mandatory during its approval for constructing houses or commercial complexes in the city, the official noted. 

According to officials, the public could save anywhere between 35 to 40 litres of fresh water, if they have grey water recycling system in their houses. “Though the treated water would not be safe for drinking, the same water can be used for watering gardens and other purposes like washing clothes and flushing toilets,” said another official, adding that they would create awareness among the public on such method. 

When DT Next contacted, Vikaram Kapur, Managing Director, CMWSSB, in an e-mail reply stated: “The state government has decided to promote grey water harvesting, treatment and reuse. The locations where the recycling system to be installed would be a mix of residential colonies, large multi-storied apartment buildings and college hostels.