Towards Net Water Neutral Built Environment in Telangana

Onsite Wastewater Treatment andRecycling Regulations – 2023 – Draft

V. Srinivas Chary, Director, ASCI & CEO, WASH Innovation Hub, India

Presentation at 11th International Conference on Decentralized Wastewater
Treatment in Asia, Ministry of Environment, Government of Japan, 28th October,2023

Global Water Scenario - Increasing demand Vs decreasing availability

Globally, India is ranked as the 13th most water-stressed country.

India Water Scenario - Increasing demand Vs decreasing availability

Extreme stress on groundwater - Limited
availability of alternate sources

Water Scenario – Urban India▪ 21 cities will run out ofgroundwater by 2030,
affecting around 100 million
people ( NITI Aayog)▪ 40 per cent of India's
population will have no accessto drinking water by 2030.

Urban Water Scenario - India
Increasing dependence on distantsources of water• Large cities are sourcing waterfrom distant surface water sources• Very costly to transport waterover long distances

Climate Change will compound the water stress• Cities can be significantly impacted byclimate change – hence, adapting toclimate change and building resilient
communities to withstand its impacts is the need of the hour.
• Cities significantly contribute togreenhouse gas emissions and canhelp mitigate climate change.
• Cities have to explore environmentally
sustainable and resilient solutions toclimate change.

Circularity & Treated Water Reuse▪ A transition from the linear model
to a circular one for efficient water
use and to minimise the losses.
▪ Circularity focuses on reducing
water use and consumption andpromotes Reuse, Recycling,
Restoration, and Recovery of water
resources.
▪ Telangana State (Youngest State inIndia) introduced circularity in
wastewater to reduce water stressand improve environmental quality▪ Hyderabad, the state capital, pilot• Telangana State envisioned topromote circularity in wastewater• City level recycling and reusepolicy – 2023 (Draft)• Building level recycling policy –2023 – Draft• Towards net zero water built
environment• Inspired by the Jhokasou Act ofJapanAt a glance

Case 1 –Raheja Towers 12C,
Mindspace, Hyderabad

Category

Commercial

Total area covered by theestablishment

5.5 lakh sq.feet

No. of Occupants

Designed for 5000+ (3 shifts)
Currently 40% occupied

Year of establishment

October 2022

STP Capacity

300 KLFresh water consumption

60KLD
Supplied by HMWSSB @Rs.162 perKL

Used water generated

150 KLD

Utilization capacity of the STP

50%

Current status of STP

Functional

STP technology

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Capital cost

1.2 CrO&M cost

1.4 Lakh per month

Reclaimed water capacity

140 KLD

Utilization of treated water

Flushing, Chilling & gardening

WATER BALANCE
Water demand is estimated to 200 KLD at 40% occupancy(2000+ occupants for 3 shifts)
Demand200 KLD

Flushing – 80 KLD
Landscaping – 40 KLD

Used water
150 KLD

10 KLDevaporation losses

Chilling – 20 KLD
STP Capacity – 300 KLD
Utilization capacity –150 KLD

Fresh water – 60 KLD

140 KLD is reusedCase 2 – World Trade Centre,
Bangalore

At a glance
Category

Commercial

Total area covered by theestablishment

Appox. 2 acres

No. of Occupants

50% (about 4000)

Year of establishment

2010

STP Capacity

600 KLD

Fresh water consumption

100 KLD @ Rs. 85 per KL

Used water generated

250 KLD

Utilization capacity of the
STP

250 KLD

Current status of STP

Functional

STP technology

MBBR

Capital cost
O&M cost

2 lakhs

Reclaimed water capacity

85% (210 KLD)

Utilization of treated water

Chilling, Flushing & Gardening

WATER BALANCE
Water demand is estimated to 310 KLD at 50% occupancy(4000+ occupants)
Demand310 KLD

Flushing – 80 KLD
Landscaping – 10 KLD

Used water
250 KLD

Excess water is sent
to in-house lake

Chilling – 120 KLD
STP Capacity – 600 KLD
Utilization capacity –250 KLD

Fresh water – 100 KLD

210 KLD is reusedPreamble• Hyderabad is among the most densely populated
cities in India. The core area is saturated, and thegrowth is experienced in the peripheral areas.
• While the average population growth rate of GHMC
during 2001-2011 was around 27 %, the growth in
the peripheral areas is at a much higher rate of 63%.

• The city is growing outwards towards the outer ringroad (ORR) and beyond.

Legend• The current population in 1650 sq.km area
comprising GHMC, areas till ORR and 1 km outside
ORR is estimated to be close to be ~1 crore.
Scale: 1:85,000
Source: GHMC,

13

• Hyderabad city has an underground sewerage network
covering ~50% of GHMC (the core area having a coverage of
98% and the rest of the GHMC area having a coverage of30%).
• The area between GHMC and ORR does not have an organised
sewerage network; hence, all the households depend on onsite
sanitation systems (OSS), namely septic tanks or twin pit
toilets.

NH 44
To
NagpurPreamble
0
%

30
%

98
%

• The high-rise residential buildings and commercial andinstitutional establishments depend on decentralized onsite
private sewage treatment plants for the treatment anddisposal of waste.
• The estimate indicates that over 1200 private STPs of different
capacities are present in HUA.

LegendScale: 1: 85,000
Source: HMWSSB, 201814

Onsite Sewage Treatment Plants – Situation
Assessment▪ Dysfunctional or sub-optimally functional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS).
▪ Absence of a system to validate STP designs▪ Absence of technology standardisation▪ Lack of professional O&M arrangements, unskilled operators▪ Lack of proper reporting and documentation▪ Reuse standards for treated wastewater and biosolids – not notified▪ Weak database▪ Absence of a regulatory framework for effective designing, implementing, and monitoring of onsite
wastewater treatment systems

15

Intent of the Regulation• Promote water-neutral buildings• Encourage circular economy in used water management• Protect water bodies through effective wastewater
treatment• Reduce water footprint• Promote climate resilience• Encourage innovative solutions and transformativetechnologies

Title, Objective and Applicability of theRegulations• Title: Onsite Wastewater (Used Water) Treatment
and Recycling Regulations - 2023
• Objective: To achieve net water-neutral buildings
by promoting on-site wastewater treatment &recycling and through effective monitoring.
• Applicability: New and existing buildings within theOuter Ring Road (ORR) area

Coverage:
1. In the case of new construction for all buildings belonging to the following
categories, shall mandatorily install an Onsite wastewater treatment system(OWTS).
(a) Residential buildings having 25 and above households or residentialbuildings having 5000 Sq. m and above built-up area, whichever islower;(b) Commercial buildings having 5000 Sq.m and above built-up area;(c) Educational establishments/Institutions having 5000 Sq.m and above
built-up area;(d) Hostel establishment having 5000 Sq.m and above built-up area;(e) Healthcare facilities having 25 and above beds or having 5000 Sq.mand above built-up area, whichever is less;(f) All Gated communities and townships, irrespective of the area

Coverage
2. In the case of old/existing buildings for all buildings belonging to thefollowing categories, it is mandatory to install an Onsite Wastewater treatment
system (OWTS) within a span of two years from the date these regulations comeinto effect(a) Residential buildings having 25 and above households or residentialbuildings having 5000 Sq. m and above built-up area, whichever is lower;(b) Commercial buildings having 5000 Sq.m and above built-up area;(c) Educational establishments/Institutions having 5000 Sq.m and above
built-up area;(d) Hostel establishment having 5000 Sq.m and above built-up area;(e) Healthcare facilities having 25 and above beds or having 5000 Sq.m andabove built-up area, whichever is less;(f) All Gated* communities and townships, irrespective of the area

Coverage
3. For all buildings not belonging to the above categories, all
Wastewater outlets shall be connected to the municipal sewer
system. Where no municipal sewer system exists within a distance of
50 m, either a well-designed OWTS or an onsite sanitation system
conforming to IS 2470 requirements shall be provided within theplot area

Extent of Recycling (from the date of notification of thisregulations)
1. Recycling of treated water, complying with the standards notified, shall be mandatory for non-potable uses
such as gardening, lawn maintenance, flushing, floor cleaning etc.
2. Dual Plumbing Systema)

Dual plumbing system for the recycling of treated water for non-potable use shall be mandatory for all new
establishments/constructions where OWTS is mandatory.

b)

Dual plumbing system for the recycling of treated water for non-potable use shall be installed/retrofitted
wherever viable in existing buildings where OWTS is mandatory.

c)

For existing/legacy buildings where installation of a dual plumbing system is not viable, recycling of treatedwater shall be encouraged for other non-potable uses such as landscaping and floor cleaning andconstruction activity in and outside the premises.

3. In cases where 100% recycling of treated wastewater is not possible within the premises, excess treatedwastewater shall be traded for non-potable uses as per the norms given by the competent authority.

Monitoring
Monitoring shall span across the lifespan of the OWTS and canbe divided into three categories:
1. Pre-establishment

2. During the establishment
3. Post-establishment

Monitoring
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:
1.

OWTSs shall be designed using the Best Available Technologies and Transformative Technologies
approved by the competent authority.

2.

OWTSs shall be located in such a way that all units of the OWTS are freely accessible for maintenance andinspection activities.

3.

All buildings with installed OWTSs are required to have a separate electric sub-meter for the OWTS unit.

4.

All installed OWTSs are required to install sensor-based inflow and outflow meters for real-timemonitoring5.

All installed OWTSs are required to install sensors at the outlet of the OWTS to monitor the following
parameters: pH, DO, TDS and Residual Chlorine.

6.

All buildings with installed OWTSs and a connection to a sewer line shall install a flowmeter on the pipethat lets Wastewater from the building into the main sewers at the sewer connection.

Monitoring
ENFORCEMENT BEFORE CONSENT FOR ESTABLISHMENTa) Competent authority shall empanel third-party agencies (TPA) for design
validation and implementation.
b) Competent authority shall charge a licensing fee to third-party agencies.
Licenses shall be renewed every year.
c) Incorporating submission of plan detailing the location and design of OWTS
and certificate of approval from competent authority into the building
license approval and certificate of establishment granting process.
ENFORCEMENT BEFORE CONSENT FOR OPERATIONa) Competent Authority shall physically inspect the DSTP or on-site treatment
system for all buildings to ensure all requirements detailed in section 6 aremet before issuing an occupancy certificate or certificate for operation.

Monitoring
ENFORCEMENT AFTER OPERATIONa) Competent authority shall empanel operation and maintenance agencies with credible
competencies for undertaking O&M operations.
b) O&M agencies shall engage a reputed laboratory with appropriate accreditation, such as
NABL/ISO/DSIR.
c) Competent authority shall charge a licensing fee to the O&M agencies. Licenses shall berenewed every year.
d) Self-Monitoringa) O&M agency/personnel shall keep a log of daily monitoring data.
b) O&M agency/personnel shall get a detailed analysis of influent and effluent parameters
according to CPHEEO guidelines done through the engaged laboratory.
c) O&M agency/personnel shall upload laboratory analysis and daily log to the online
monitoring platform (OMP) every 3 months.
e) Statutory monitoring: Competent authorities shall monitor the performance of all OWTSs
through onsite inspection every year.

Monitoring
STANDARDSa) Standards for release into the sewerage network, a surface water body or land.

NO.

Parameter

Limits1.

6.5-8.5< 20 mg/l

3.

pHTotal Suspended
Solids (TSS)COD

4.

BOD (5 day)< 10 mg/l

5.

Total Nitrogen< 10 mg/l

6.

Ammoniacal
Nitrogen< 5 mg/l

7.

Faecal Coliform<100 MPN/100
ml

2.

< 50 mg/l

Source: NGT order 2019 (M.A. No. 1792/2018, M.A. No. 1793/2018, I.A. No. 150/2019 & I.A. No. 151/2019)

Monitoringb) Standard for Recycling
Limits forLandscaping
6.5-8.5

Limits for other
uses
6-9

< 20 mg/l< 10 mg/l< 50 mg/l< 20 mg/l

BOD (3 day)< 10 mg/l< 10 mg/l

5.

Total Nitrogen< 10 mg/l< 10 mg/l

6.
7.

Ammoniacal Nitrogen
Dissolved Phosphorus as P

< 5 mg/l< 1 mg/l

8.

Faecal Coliform< 100 MPN/100 ml<5 mg/l< 1 mg/l<10 MPN/100
ml

9.

Residual Chlorine

1 ppm

NO.

Parameter

1.

3.

pH
Total Suspended Solids
(TSS)
COD

4.

2.

1 ppm

Source: NGT order 2019 (M.A. No. 1792/2018, M.A. No. 1793/2018, I.A. No. 150/2019 & I.A. No. 151/2019); Jordanian Standards (JS1767:2008), CPHEEO
manual Part A: Engineering Chapter 7: Recycling and Reuse of Sewage; WHO : Overview of greywater management Health considerations (2006)

Monitoring
STANDARDSc) Standards for Biosolids: Standards for USEPA Biosolids Class A
Parameter
Arsenic (As)Cadmium (Cd)Chromium (Cr)
Copper (Cu)Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Nickel (Ni)

Limits20 mg/kg dryweight1 mg/kg dry weight
100 mg/kg dryweight
100 mg/kg dryweight
150 mg/kg dryweight1 mg/kg dry weight
60 mg/kg dryweightSelenium (Se)

5 mg/kg dry weight

Zinc (Zn)

200 mg/kg dryweightParameter

LimitsEscherichia coli<100 CFU/gm
Not Detected(CFU/4gm)

Salmonella Sp.
Total Coliforms<100 MPN/gm

Faecal Coliforms<1,000 MPN/gm< 1 cell per 4
grams of total dry
solids
< 1 PFU per 4
grams of total dry
solidsHelminth ova (Ascaris
sp. and Taenia sp.)Enteric Viruses

Source: USEPA part 503 Biosolids Rule

Incentives and penalties
Incentives:a) Reducing the water footprint and recycling used water is a key incentive for the builder.
b) Further recycling treated wastewater will reduce freshwater usage, bringing savings to the owner as they would
move to a lower tariff slabc) Competent authority shall issue a recognition system similar to the Energy Efficiency Star Rating System.

Penalties:a)b)Penalty for failing to establish OWTSs:a) If a residential establishment fails to install OWTS within the stipulated time, the competent authority shallwithdraw the establishment’s free water ration, double the water tariff and charge a fine of Rs
1,00,000/month till the OWTS is installed.
b) If establishments of other categories fail to install OWTS within the stipulated time, the competent authority
shall double their water tariff and charge a fine of Rs 2,00,000/month till the OWTS is installed.
Penalty for failing to submit self-monitoring data or to meet effluent standards:a) If a residential establishment fails to submit self-monitoring data for three consecutive cycles or fails to meet
notified effluent standards during monitoring, the competent authority shall withdraw the establishment’s
free water ration, double their water tariff and charge a fine of Rs 10,000/month till the compliance isachieved.
b) If establishments of other categories fail to submit self-monitoring data for three consecutive cycles or fail tomeet notified effluent standards during monitoring, the competent authority shall double their water tariffand charge a fine of Rs 20000/month till the compliance is achieved.

Safety• Provision of a ‘DANGER’ sign board near the OWTS.
• Provision of “not fit for drinking” sign in both Telegu and English at the taps
where treated wastewater flows.
• Maintaining a minimum of two sets of protective gear in working conditions at
all times.
• Displaying the “Caution – Danger” sign whenever there is a maintenanceactivity.
• Ensuring maintenance personnel wear all protective equipment, including a
portable oxygen cylinder with a mask, during maintenance activities.
• Ensuring at least two additional individuals are supervising the maintenanceactivity from the outside at a distance from which they can immediately
evacuate the person inside if such a situation arises.
• All desludging and maintenance operations shall strictly follow the Prohibitionof Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013

Data Management• Development of Online-Monitoring Platform (OMP),
including a dashboard for periodic monitoring andreporting• Continuous data exchange amongst different
competent authorities

Regulators: Roles and Responsibilities
Competent
Authority

Responsibilities

GHMC

•
•

Shall ensure all requirements detailed in the regulation are met before issuing a building licence for buildings within the ORR area
Shall communicate all relevant data with HMWSSB

ULB

•
•

Shall ensure all requirements detailed in the regulation are met before issuing a building licence within their jurisdiction
Shall communicate all relevant data with HMWSSB

•
•
•
•

Shall empanel third-party agencies for design validation and implementation
Shall empanel third-party operation and maintenance agencies
Shall curate a list of the Best Available Technologies and approved Transformative Technologies for the design of OWTSs
Shall ensure all requirements detailed in the regulation are met before issuing a CFE and CFO for OWTSs in buildings with a built-up area of less than
20,000 sq. m within the ORR area
Shall perform a yearly physical statutory inspection of OWTSs for building with a built-up area of less than 20,000 sq.m within the ORR area
Shall engage a third-party knowledge partner to perform an audit of all OWTSs within the ORR area as and when needed
Shall develop a centralised Online Monitoring Platform (OMP)
Shal establish a separate cell at the HMWSSB office to monitor this activity
Shall ensure all operators of OWTSs are uploading self-monitoring data in a timely manner
Shall develop a virtual water trade framework
Shall enforce penalties and incentives on OWTSs for buildings with built-up areas less than 20,000 sq.m within the ORR area
Shall ensure all requirements detailed in the regulation are met before issuing a CFE and CFO for OWTSs for buildings with a built-up area of morethan 20,000 sq. m as per EIA
Shall perform a yearly physical statutory inspection of OWTSs for building with a built-up of more than 20,000 sq.m
Shall enforce penalties and incentives on OWTSs for buildings with built-up of more than 20,000 sq.m
Shall communicate all relevant data with HMWSSBHMWSSB

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

TSPCB

•
•
•

HMWSSB: Responsibilities• Shall empanel third-party agencies for design validation and implementation• Shall empanel third-party operation and maintenance agencies• Shall curate a list of the Best Available Technologies and approved Transformative Technologies for the designof OWTSs• Shall ensure all requirements detailed in the regulation are met before issuing a CFE and CFO for OWTSs inbuildings with a built-up area of less than 20,000 sq. m within the ORR area
• Shall perform a yearly physical statutory inspection of OWTSs for building with a built-up area of less than
20,000 sq.m within the ORR area
• Shall engage a third-party knowledge partner to perform an audit of all OWTSs within the ORR area as andwhen needed• Shall develop a centralised Online Monitoring Platform (OMP)• Shal establish a separate cell at the HMWSSB office to monitor this activity• Shall ensure all operators of OWTSs are uploading self-monitoring data in a timely manner• Shall develop a virtual water trade framework.
• Shall enforce penalties and incentives on OWTSs for buildings with built-up areas less than 20,000 sq.m within
the ORR area

Monitoring flowchart: HMWSSB responsibility• Empanelment of thirdparty design validationand implementation
agencies• Issuing licenses to thethird-party design
validation andimplementation agencies
and renewal of licenses

Before establishmentof an OWTS

Before the operation of
an OWTS• Physical inspection by thecompetent authority
before issuing occupancy
certificate or certificate
for operation• Empanelment of O&M
agencies• Issuing licenses to O&M
agencies and renewal oflicenses• Regulating submission ofself-monitoring data by
OWTS operators• Statutory monitoring bycompetent authority once
every year and as andwhen needed in-between

During operation of an
OWTS