Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Delhi Plans Mandatory Treated Water Use for Construction
Delhi wants construction and gardening work to use cleaned wastewater instead of drinking water or groundwater.
The plan is part of a proposed policy called the Reclaimed Water Policy, 2026.
Delhi cleans about 750 million gallons of sewage every day.
About 483 million gallons of that water could be reused after some is kept for environmental needs.
However, only about 120 million gallons is being reused now.
Officials say the extra treated water could be used for construction, landscaping, washing and other activities.
The Delhi Jal Board will first discuss the plan with different groups.
The policy still needs final approval from the government.
The Delhi government plans to require treated water for construction and horticulture under the Reclaimed Water Policy, 2026.
Delhi treats about 750 million gallons of sewage each day, according to the Water Minister.
After environmental-flow requirements, around 483 million gallons daily are available for reuse.
Only about 120 million gallons of treated water are currently being reused.
The Delhi Jal Board will hold stakeholder discussions before sending the policy to the government for final approval.
- Who
- The Delhi government, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and the Delhi Jal Board.
- What
- The government is planning to make treated water mandatory for construction and horticulture activities.
- When
- The plan was announced on Tuesday; the policy is proposed for 2026.
- Where
- Delhi.
- Why
- To increase the reuse of treated sewage and progressively replace potable water and groundwater for non-potable activities.
- Proposed policy
- Reclaimed Water Policy, 2026
- Sewage treated daily
- About 750 million gallons per day
- Water available for reuse
- Around 483 million gallons per day after accounting for environmental flow
- Current reuse
- About 120 million gallons per day
- Estimated unused treated water
- Around 350 million gallons per day
- Planned uses
- Horticulture, construction, landscaping, washing, industrial cooling and other non-potable activities
- Next step
- The Delhi Jal Board will conduct stakeholder discussions before seeking final government approval