The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is moving toward mandatory greywater recycling for all new independent houses, aiming to tackle the city’s growing water demand and support sustainable usage. Greywater, which includes wastewater from showers, washing machines, and sinks (but excludes toilet waste), is typically drained into sewers, adding strain on both the water supply and sewage systems. By recycling this greywater for non-drinking purposes like gardening and toilet flushing, the BWSSB intends to conserve Cauvery water and reduce household water consumption.
Currently, apartments with 120+ units must install wastewater treatment units, but the BWSSB plans to extend this requirement to new independent houses after finalizing the proposal with expert consultation. BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasad Manohar noted that the greywater recycling initiative could help save up to 50% of household water, potentially translating to `20,000 crores in savings annually.
Under the proposed system, households would install separate pipelines for greywater and sanitary waste, with dedicated tanks to collect and recycle greywater. Special care will be needed to avoid contaminants like shampoo and soap entering the recycling system. With water demand in India expected to increase by 22% by next year and 32% by 2050, BWSSB’s initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable water management in Bengaluru.
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