Bangalore Developers Turn to Greywater Recycling Amid Water Scarcity

Bangalore real estate builders are using advanced water recycling systems. They are now collecting, treating, and reusing waste water from houses. It is because the worst water crisis in the city raises the need for private tankers.

Leading real estate players such as Prestige, Puravankara, and Brigade have now turned to grey water recycling systems. They are doing dual and triple plumbing systems in big projects.

Before 5 years, big projects had sewage plants that will comply with rules. It was when partial reuse of water was done. It was limited to gardens and for flushing purposes. Dual plumbing and cooling reuse is now a rule across all new big projects,” said Lumde, the Senior Vice President of Prestige Group.

Buyer awareness is growing now. People know that fresh water is a rare resource. It will get costly in the coming days. Prestige Group said that 100% of its big projects in the city are using greywater recycle systems.

“We are taking it to a high level with dual plumbing. We are also converting post treated water for domestic use in a couple of our new projects. It will standard it across our portfolio in the future,” said Mathew, from Brigade Group. With this, nearly 100% of their projects are reusing treated grey water to the best level.”

The STP will cost around 40% more than other plants. It is due to the complexity and high energy use. Buyers have now agreed to share the extra expense when long term benefits are explained to them.

The set up of STPs will cost Rs 30 to 35 lakhs annually. These systems will enhance the project’s credibility. Buyers now consider water security as a premium feature, as the fresh water supply is limited.

Real estate builders say the scaling process is difficult. Lack of awareness among buyers is a major challenge. The time is now correct to introduce a policy for waste water reuse.

A greywater recycling system collects, treats, and then reuses waste water. It will include water for all household work, such as washing clothes and taking a bath. It will make the water suitable for other non-drinking purposes, such as flushing of toilets, and watering the plants. It will reduce the demand for fresh water in the city.

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