A recent study by researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) underscores the potential benefits of using treated wastewater to alleviate water stress in Ballari and Raichur districts, where urban water supply falls below national standards. The study highlights that both districts, home to significant thermal power stations (TPSs) like Raichur TPS (1,720 MW), Yeramarus (1,600 MW), and Ballari TPS (1,700 MW), face acute water shortages impacting both residential and industrial sectors.
Historically, these TPSs have struggled with water scarcity, leading to periodic shutdowns and operational challenges. The study advocates for integrating treated wastewater into their operations, citing successful models like Koradi TPS in Nagpur, which has reduced freshwater dependency and operational costs significantly.
By 2050, Ballari’s population is projected to reach 9.2 lakh, with an estimated domestic water demand of 124 million liters per day (mld), surpassing the municipal supply capacity of 85 mld. Similarly, Raichur expects its population to grow to 3.67 lakh with a water demand of 50 mld against a supply potential of 39 mld.
The study proposes collaborative efforts between urban local bodies and TPSs to establish wastewater treatment plants, funded by the latter, to utilize treated water for industrial processes. This initiative could potentially save millions of cubic meters of freshwater annually, enhancing domestic water availability by 30-40 liters per capita per day.
Rudrodip Majumdar, one of the study’s authors, emphasized the importance of incentivizing industries with lower costs for treated wastewater, particularly amidst escalating climate change impacts on water resources.