The Local Self-Government department in Keralam has framed a policy for the safe reuse of treated wastewater across key sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, urban landscaping, construction activities, industrial processes, and cleaning applications.The policy aims to actively reduce the State’s dependence on freshwater for construction and cleaning activities by promoting the use of treated wastewater as a sustainable alternative. This will be achieved through robust policy measures, institutional frameworks and effective monitoring mechanisms.Declaration of availabilityWithin six months of the notification of the policy, the local bodies owning sewage treatment plants (STPs) will assess and declare the availability of treated wastewater and update and publish the same annually before June 1 every year.The declaration will include details on the quantity of treated wastewater available, quality parameters as per prescribed Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) standards, location of STPs and the nature of potential reuse applications.While assessing the availability of treated wastewater in their jurisdiction, the local bodies will also take into account treated wastewater from STPs of bulk users such as apartments, malls and similar establishments. The local bodies are also required to prioritise the utilisation of treated wastewater for their own purposes, including road and street cleaning, irrigation of parks and green spaces and construction activities.The details of treated wastewater availability will be made publicly accessible through official websites and other appropriate media platforms by local bodies to facilitate its use by public, private entities and entrepreneurs. The policy, while suggesting the use of conventional treatment technologies, does not restrict the exploration of innovative technologies.IncentivesTo promote reuse, incentives such as rebates on taxes and other applicable charges will be provided to bulk users or establishments as well as residential apartments. These incentives will be determined by the respective local bodies in consultation with government departments and agencies. Bulk users and establishments will be mandated to use treated wastewater if a wastewater treatment plant is available within a 10-km radius; non-compliance will be penalised as per Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.The Industries department will promote the use of treated wastewater among industries, particularly for non-potable applications such as cooling, construction and utility purposes. The department will identify industrial clusters with high water demand and coordinate with local bodies for assured supply of treated wastewater. It will also encourage industries to substitute freshwater with treated wastewater through policy directives, incentives and inclusion in industrial approvals and clearances.An untapped resourceThe policy document notes that only a small fraction of treated wastewater finds its way back into productive use, representing an untapped resource that could alleviate water scarcity concerns. This policy is expected to help Keralam in improving its wastewater management and assist in making proactive initiatives for future challenges in wastewater management. Published - August 27, 2026 08:04 pm IST