The BMC has been compelled by the climatic changes in recent years to explore alternative sources of drinking water. In order to convert effluents into potable water, the civic authority has taken a step forward by appointing a consultant to assess its feasibility. It has been decided that the first plant of this kind will be established at the Colaba sewage treatment plant on a pilot basis, with a capacity of up to 12 million litres per day (MLD). The completion of this project is expected to take three years. Currently, the BMC supplies 3,850 MLD of water to Mumbai, while the demand has risen to 4,500 MLD. For many decades, the city has relied solely on rainfall to collect water in seven lakes. However, since the construction of the Middle Vaitarna dam in 2012, no new projects have been undertaken to secure an alternative water source.

This year, the BMC initiated the ambitious Gargai dam project, followed by the establishment of a desalination plant in Manori, Malad. As part of its efforts, the BMC has now appointed a consultant to investigate whether treated sewage water can be utilised for potable or non-potable purposes. According to a senior civic official, "The consultant will conduct a detailed study and submit a report within the next 4-6 months. The construction of the plant will take approximately two-and-a-half years. Our current focus is to change the mindset of the citizens. Treated water is already being used for drinking purposes in many countries. We also need to work on raising awareness so that people accept treated water." The study will examine the quantity of water that can be treated and reused, as well as whether it can be distributed through the existing network or if a separate pipeline would be required, the official added.

Following primary treatment, the remaining sewage plants have been discharging more than 1,800 MLD of water into rivers, creeks, or the sea.

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