The Maharashtra government has announced a new policy — Safe Reuse and Management of Treated Wastewater, 2025 — that could soon make it mandatory for housing societies and industrial estates to reduce freshwater consumption and switch to treated wastewater for gardening, toilet flushing, vehicle washing, and firefighting. About the Policy The policy directs all Municipal Corporations and Class A Municipal Councils to adopt measures aimed at reducing the use of freshwater for non-essential purposes. The state government said that the initiative seeks to ease pressure on water resources as part of long-term conservation planning, while offering social, environmental, and financial benefits. Under the policy, wastewater treatment plants will be established through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or the Hybrid Annuity Model, depending on investor interest. If these models are not feasible, the projects will be jointly funded by civic bodies and the state government. Once certified as fit for purpose, treated wastewater will be prioritised for supply to thermal power plants, industries, and industrial estates. It may also be allocated for agricultural and irrigation use or discharged into rivers and rivulets. Mumbai alone generates approximately 2,632 million litres of sewage daily, much of which could be treated and reused. As per the State Water Policy, 2019, at least 30 per cent of recycled water must be reused within five years to curb freshwater demand. The policy recommends that water treated by secondary processes be used for non-potable applications, while tertiary-treated water can be made fit for drinking. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been instructed to consult industrial units within its estates to establish treatment plants and procure treated wastewater from nearby municipal bodies. Data centres will also be encouraged to adopt treated water for cooling and operational needs. Additionally, treated wastewater will be recommended for use in construction, road cleaning, public toilets, and firefighting. Pricing will be determined in consultation with the Water Resources Regulatory Authority, while coordination between the Water Resources and Urban Development departments will ensure efficient supply management.