The problem in Mumbai is that good quality water is being used to wash cars, flush toilets and for gardening.
Potable water should be used for drinking, and recycled water for toilets and gardening
Rakesh Kumar
The problem in Mumbai is that good quality water is being used to wash cars, flush toilets and for gardening. Potable water should only be used for drinking. For other uses, we should have alternative sources. There should be separate pipes for good water and grey water. This can certainly be done for new constructions, and retro-fitting can be done in some old housing too.
People seem to have a mental block when it comes to using recycled water. But the biggest barrier to using alternative sources is the fact that low-cost water is available in abundant quantities. The only thing that can make a difference in water consumption is the use of water meters, because then people will know how much they are using and the cost for using it, the same way as with their electricity bills.
But this makes sense only if the meters are maintained well and cost is recovered individually. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had undertaken a survey five years ago in the city and what we learnt was that 85 per cent of the water meters were not visible. In every ward, this was the case.
It is also a challenge to install individual water meters, because retro-fitting plumbing requires added expenditure, besides not being viable in some old, congested areas. That is why the
local authorities talk of collective charges, but the government can at least start individual meters in new buildings. Only if this is implemented can water conservation really take off.
A public-private partnership will help. A competent agency can install the meters, maintain them and collect the fees. The BMC is in no position to do this.
The other issue is that people need to be made aware that treated and recycled water is good enough for specific uses like gardening, toilets and washing. Maybe a scientific agency can test this and tell people how it can be used.
On the one hand, we have a growing water shortage, while at the same time people are wasting water. Compared with most Indian cities, Mumbai has ample water supply, so why should there be pockets like Girgaum, where people get water for only 15 minutes? Another alternative water source can be groundwater, which can be used for bathing, washing and gardening.
The bottom line is that we need to change the way we use, and abuse, water.
Rakesh Kumar is a scientist and head of the Mumbai zonal centre of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. He spoke to Neeta Kolhatkar.
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