CSE-NMCG Advance Training on Reuse of Treated Wastewater and Biosolids

India has 16 per cent of the world’s population and only 4 per cent of its freshwater resources. Given the exponentially escalating demand for water, using recycled wastewater has emerged as a viable alternative to satisfy non-potable needs

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, cities in India collectively generate an estimated 72,368 million litre a day (MLD) of sewage. The country has 1,093 operational sewage treatment plants (STPs), with a combined capacity of only 26,869 MLD. Of the cities with populations exceeding 54 million, 32 have initiated recycle and reuse projects; 22 cities have not.

Promoting a circular economy is at the core of a sustainable and climateresilient future. The Union Jal Shakti ministry has stipulated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water that they use. Similarly, sewage sludge or biosolids, produced as a by-product in various wastewater treatment stages, can be transformed into nutrient-rich organic material. The demand for freshwater can be managed only if steps like these are initiated and implemented with urgency.

The training is centred around the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recent report, “Waste to Worth- Managing India’s urban water crisis through wastewater reuse” – the study presents a well analyzed, state-of-the-art assessment of what the country is doing to mitigate the situation, specifically in the context of reusing treated water—highlighting challenges, what is working and what is not, and why. Additionally, the report provides actionable recommendations for the country’s future approach, along with a “city-level template for the safe reuse of treated water”. Building on this, CSE, in collaboration with the Namami Gange Mission (NMCG), is organising a comprehensive training programme designed to help city/state officials and urban planners effectively plan and implement wastewater reuse projects at the local level.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training, imparted in English, will be focused on experiential learning: it will include individual/group interactions, practical exercises, and interactions with experts, class discussions, documentary films and a field visit.

WHAT DOES THE TRAINING PROGRAMME OFFER?

The objective is to help states/cities/ULBs incorporate recycle and reuse projects in their planning, and promote practices that harness the potential of treated wastewater and biosolids. The training programme, thus, aims at:

• Developing an understanding of biosolids -- their composition, characteristics, and treatment processes.
• Exposing participants to treatment technologies and helping them understand the agronomic benefits of biosolids, including their role in enhancing soil fertility, improving water retention, and promoting sustainable crop growth. Practical insights into application rates, methods and cropspecific considerations will also be provided.
• Helping in understanding treated wastewater reuse in the context of broader sustainability goals and challenges.
• Helping gain insights into local and national regulations governing treated wastewater reuse -- compliance requirements, permitting processes, and the importance of adhering to quality standards to ensure safety of reused water.
• Helping in informed decision-making based on diverse applications of treated wastewater across sectors, including agriculture, industrial processes, landscape irrigation, and groundwater recharge; and in understanding the potential benefits and challenges associated with each application.
• Learning about water quality parameters, monitoring techniques and analytical methods to assess effectiveness of treatment processes and maintain compliance with reuse standards.
• Exposing participants to case studies that demonstrate successful treated wastewater and biosolid reuse projects globally and locally.

FOR MORE DETAILS

Faraz Ahmad
Deputy Programme Manager
Water Programme, CSE
Phone: +91 8860933075
Email: faraz.ahmad@cseindia.org