Chapter 13

WATER SUPPLY & SEWERAGE

1. Water supply & Sewerage are an essential component of the basic infrastructure for
urban settlement. The number of house holds in Delhi has increased from 18.61 lakh
in March 1991 to about 25.54 lakh in March 2001. Besides domestic use water is also
required for industries, commercial & other institutions and for firefighting purposes.

2. Water Supply and treatment capacity is being increased in Delhi in almost in each five
year plan taking into account the requirement of drinking water for the population
increasing at a very high rate, almost more than double to the rate of increase at
national level. In spite of best efforts made by the Government, water supply in an
equitable and or adequate way remained a matter of concern due to various reasons
like raw water scarcity and related problems, transmission and distribution losses,
supply with less pressure, uneven distribution, depleting ground water level, non-
recharge of ground water due to rapid urbanization, increasing cost of water treatment
and increasing gap between water supply cost & tariff, etc.

3. The water treatment and supply capacity, which was 66 MGD in 1956, was raised
to 240 MGD in 1979, 437 MGD in 1990, 650 MGD in 2002 and 810 MGD in 2007.
The target for Eleventh five year plan (March, 2012) is kept as 915 MGD water
treatment and supply by DJB in Delhi.

4. Out of total 25.54 lakh house-holds in Delhi in 2001, about 19.24 lakh house-holds
are provided piped water supply system. About 5.60 lakh house-holds are provided
water supply through tubewells / deep bore hand pumps / public hydrants. Thus about
75.33% house-holds meet their water requirement through piped water supply system
and about 21.91 % house-hold through tubewells / deep bore hand pumps / public
hydrants. Remaining 2.76 % households depend on other sources like wells, river,
tanks, canal, ponds etc. (Table No. 13.8)

5. WATER REQUIREMENT

5.1 Based on a norm of 60 Gallon Per Capita Per Day (GPCD) as per CPHEEO norms
prescribed in MPD 2021, the water requirement for 2007-08 was 990 MGD. As per
CPHEEO manual, the per capita per day water requirement is60 GPCD as Details
given in the Statement No. 13.1

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 151

 Statement No. 13.1

5.2 In MPD-2021 by DDA proposed water requirement with the norm of 80 Gallon Per
Capita Per Day (GPCD), out of which 50 GPCD is for domestic requirement and 30
GPCD for non-domestic purposes. The domestic water requirement of 50 GPCD
comprises of 30 GPCD for potable needs and 20 GPCD for non-potable water. The
requirement details are given in the Statement No. 13.2.

Statement No. 13.2

152 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

 With the norms of 60 GPCD, water supply requirement, for projected population of
23 Million in 2021 in Delhi, will be 1380 MGD as per MPD-2021.
6. WATER SUPPLY TARGETS-2008-09
6.1 Delhi Jal Board had proposed to increase the water supply capacity from 650
MGD as on 31.3.04 to 855 MGD as on 31.3.2009 as per details given below in
the Statement No. 13.3. However, at the end of march, 2009, The D.J.B. could
achieve 785 MGD water capacity in Delhi.
Statement No. 13.3

6.2 Nangloi Water Treatment Plant could not function upto its full capacity of 40 MGD due
to non-supply of raw water through WJC system by Haryana Government in spite of
raw water supply available from Bhakda Vyas Management Board (BVMB). Haryana
Govt. is constructing two Acua-ducts on Western Yamuna Canal to enable the system
to carry additional raw water. Further, non release of full 300 cusec of raw water for
Sonia Vihar Plant by U.P Govt. has also adversely affected the achievement of water
supply targets.

6.3 Two new Water Treatment Plants are proposed to be constructed at Dwarka
(50 MGD) and Okhla (20 MGD) during the 11th Five Year Plan. Raw water for the
two plants will be available on construction of the pucca parallel channel from Munak
to Haiderpur.

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 153

7. WATER CONSUMPTION

7.1 DJB supplies treated water in bulk to the NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) and to
the DCB (Delhi cantonment Board), both of which are responsible for the distribution of
water within their own territories. The water supply infrastructure in these territories is
owned by them and, consequently, is not the responsibility of the DJB. MCD area is
the responsibility of DJB.

7.2 During 2007-08, water production by DJB was 720 MGD with water obtained from a
range of sources such as river Yamuna, Bhakra Storage, Upper Ganga Canal and
from underground water resources. The billed quantity of water during the year
2007-08, substantially reduced to 254.59 MGD due to following three main reasons:

(i) Fixing of upper average water consumption at 20 kl/30 kl per month w.e.f.
28.9.2005 for domestic consumers whose DJB/private water maters are non-
functional till defective water meter is replaced. For residential premises having
built up area upto 200 sq.m. and above 200 sq.m., the fixed average is 20 Kl and
30 Kl per month respectively. However, if the actual average consumption is less
than 20 Kl/30 Kl per month, the water charges will be calculated at actual average.

(ii) JJ re-settlement colonies and rural areas in Delhi are inhabited by weaker sections
of society and in order to provide some economic relief to persons residing in
these areas, the Board as a policy have been providing un-metered water supply
to these areas and water charges are being recovered at assumed average of
only 10 Kl per month per connection till un-metered connections are converted
into metered. Besides, assumed average of 10 Kl per month, service charge is
also recoverable along with sewerage maintenance charge, if applicable. Out of
16.75 lac sanctioned water connections 3.46 lac are un-metered connections.

(iii) Around 5.00 lac water meters out of 12.96 lac metered connections are non-
functional and defective.

7.3 During the years 2003-04 and 2007-08, 277.10(MGD) and 221.03 (MGD)water was
distributed and charged to various categories of consumers respectively is given below
in the Statement No. 13.4:

154 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

 Statement No. 13.4

7.4 In spite of increase in water treatment and supply capacity in each five year plan in
Delhi, the average per capita capacity of water remained at 48 GPCD in 2007-08
(Table No.13.1).

8. WATER RESOURCES

8.1 The water supply treatment plants of DJB treated 629 MGD surface water and 81
MGD ground water as on March, 2007. The water resources of DJB are indicated in
Statement No. 13.5.

Statement No.13.5
(March 2008)

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 155

Ground Water

8.2 The decreasing ground water level in Delhi has become a matter of serious concern.
At some places in South and South West Delhi, the water level has gone 20-30 meter
below the ground level. The quality of underground water is deteriorating and in
several places, it has been found to be unfit for human consumption. The salinity of
ground water is increasing in South-West and North-West Delhi. In some areas of
Shahdara and Kanjhawala, nitrate content has been found to be more than 1000 mg/
liter. Fluoride and chemical concentrations, more than prescribed limits, have also
been found in ground water at various locations in Delhi. To tackle these problems,
the Central Ground Water Board has taken steps to regulate the number of tube-wells
being commissioned in Delhi.

8.3 As on March 2008, DJB has 2488 functional Tubewells and 21 Rainy Wells. The
Flood prone area upstream of Wazirabad barrage is being exploited for commissioning
of more tube wells by DJB. The deepening old lakes and other water bodies, preserving
and developing the forest area in Delhi, construction of check dams at Asola Wild
Life Sanctuary and plantation of trees, are some of the steps being taken to improve
ground water resources.

PARALLEL CHANNEL FROM MUNAK TO HAIDERPUR

8.4 About 30-50% of the raw water discharged from Tajewala Head works is lost in the
present water carrier system through the Yamuna River and the Western Yamuna
Canal system. To prevent this loss, a parallel pucca channel is under construction
from Munak to Haiderpur. This channel of 102 kms. Length is being constructed by
the Haryana Government. The estimated cost is Rs. 314.15 crores and it is targeted
to be completed in 2009. The entire cost of the project will be financed by Delhi Govt.
Water availability will increase by 80 MGD on construction of this channel.

RESERVOIRS

8.5. Renuka Dam, Kishau Dam and Lakhwar Vyasi Dam are proposed to be constructed
so that Delhi gets its share in Yamuna water as per Yamuna water sharing Agreement
signed in May, 1994. The approved allocation of Yamuna water to each state may be
seen at Statement No. 13.6. About 275 MGD water will be available to Delhi from
Renuka Dam. Delhi will also get 372 MGD water from Kishau reservoir and 135 MGD
from Lakhwar Vyasi reservoir.

156 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

 Statement No.13.6

8.6 Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. is taking up the work of construction of
Renuka Dam, and at present, land acquisition is in progress. However, since the
Renuka agreement of 1994 was not signed by the State of Rajasthan, the other
signatory states; particularly, UP and Haryana are now questioning the legality of the
agreement.

9. WATER ACCOUNTING & AUDITING

9.1 Till now DJB was using old system for measuring the quantity of raw water available
at water treatment plants and the quantity of treated water supplied by treatment
plants for distribution. Similar was the position at under ground water tanks, reservoir
and booster pumping stations. Due to this system, DJB was not able to assess exact
amount of water distribution losses. To overcome this situation, DJB has started a
comprehensive programme for installation of bulk meters at all water treatment plants.
About 86 bulk meters have already been installed.

9.2 DJB has also decided to install bulk meters on all distribution mains, underground
reservoirs and booster pumping stations for correct measurement of water supply
from these points’ upto different localities / consumer points. Under this project, 305
sophisticated bulk meters will be installed by July, 2009.

9.3 Complete and correct water supply accounting could not be maintained by DJB due
to the following facts :-

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 157

(i) Out of total 16.75 lac water connections as on 1.4.2008, 3.46 lac are un-metered
connections.

(ii) And even out of 13.29 lac metered connections, around 5.00 lac meters were
defective or non-functional.

(iii) Fixing of maximum average of 20 KL/30 KL per month (as the case may be) for
domestic consumers if water meters are non-functional and till defective water meter
is replaced.

9.4 DJB has streamlined its system for obtaining water connections along with installation
of water meter. The existing system of supply of water meter along with sanction of
water connection has been amended and now consumers can purchase water meters
of approved specifications from the open market. The consumers having DJB’s
defective meters have been allowed to get the defective meter replaced with private
water meter and have been given option either to get the refund of meter security or
get the same adjusted towards water charges in future.

10. EXISTING WATER TARIFF:

10.1 The existing tariff is based on the principle of “use more pay more”. At higher
consumption levels, the tariff acts as a disincentive to consumer for excessive use of
water or wastage of water.

10.2 Special subsidy in water charges has been allowed to resettlement colonies and rural
areas where water charges are being recovered on assumed average of 10 Kl. per
connection per month. As a public welfare measure, water consumption upto 6 Kl. per
connection in a month is without any charge for all domestic consumers except
service charge. Salient features of existing water tariff are as under:

10.3 Existing water tariff has two parts. One is Service Charge and other Volumetric Water
Consumption Charge applicable w.e.f. 1.12.2004 and 1.4.2005 respectively.

10.4 50 % of water consumption charges are recoverable towards Sewerage Maintenance

Charge from such colonies / areas where sewerage services have been provided /
maintained by the DJB.

10.5 In case of bulk connection for a colony / group housing society serving a number of
residential premises, water charges will be worked out as per residential unit-wise
at the domestic rates applicable from time to time.

158 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

10.6 WATER TARIFF FOR UN-METERED CONNECTIONS IN JJ RESETTLEMENT
COLONIES AND RURAL AREAS :

Water charges on assumed average of 10 Kl. PM per Connection and service

charge. Water consumption rates are same as referred to in the preceding Para.

Sewerage maintenance charge is also recoverable, if sewerage services are being

managed by D.J.B.

Besides above, water cess is recoverable from all consumers at the rates determined
by the Central Government from time to time.

11. RAIN WATER HARVESTING

11.1 All Government Departments, Local Bodies and Public Sector Undertakings have
been directed to install rain water harvesting system in their buildings / complexes.
Buildings norms have also been modified and now all new buildings with 100 sq.meters
and above area will have to provide rain water harvesting system in their lay out
plan for approval to Local Bodies. PWD, MCD, DJB have installed rain water harvesting
system in the buildings / complexes being maintained by them.

11.2 A plan scheme to promote rain water harvesting is being implemented by DJB.
Technical know how is being provided to all willing individuals, RWAs, institutions,
Housing Societies, etc. Financial incentive of Rs. 1,00,000/- or 50% of cost,
whichever is less, is also being provided under the scheme. A number of RWAs have
found very encouraging results from rain water harvesting system introduced in their
respective areas.

12. WATER CONSERVATION

12.1 Delhi has a network of about 10,000 Kms. of water supply mains of which, a significant
portion is as old as 40 to 50 years and prone to higher leakage losses. Normally
water losses are calculated by water billed or consumed subtracted from the water
produced. In the case of Delhi, water billed or consumed and leakage losses there
from cannot be calculated exactly as a majority of houses do not have working
meters. According to the estimates of DJB, the total distribution losses are of the
order of 40% of the total water supplied. These are quite high as compared to 10-
20% in the developing countries. The distribution losses include losses due to (a)
leaking pipes and (b) theft of water through unauthorized connections.

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 159

12.2 DJB has taken several steps to minimize leakage losses. To address this problem, a
leak detection and investigation (LDI) cell was set up. The Board has replaced about
1200-km length of the old, damaged and leaking water mains during the last five
years. As a result of these initiatives, the Board expects to bring down the distribution
losses to 20% level in the near future.

12.3 DJB has formulated a programme for recycling of backwash water in four major w a t e r
treatment plants at Haiderpur, Bhagirathi, Chandrawal and Wazirabad. The work for
commissioning of recycling plant of 16 MGD at Haiderpur has been completed and
work at Bhagirathi, Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants will be completed in 2009. On
completion of programme of all 4 Water Treatment Plants, about 45 MGD water
supply will be available without any additional raw water.

13. SEWAGE TREATMENT CAPACITY

13.1 The sewage treatment capacity of DJB has been increased from 402.4 MGD as on
31.3.2001 to 512.40 MGD by March, 2008 as per details given below :
Statement 13.7

160 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

13.2 These STPs are not functioning up-to their full installed capacity due to various
reasons, such as, low flow of sewage to STPs, trunk and peripheral sewer lines still to
be connected to STPs, etc. The sewage generation, at present, is estimated to be
around 716 MGD = 770 (water production) X 0.8 + 100 (Pvt. Ground water extraction)
and treatment is around 384 MGD only. This untreated sewage (332 MGD) falling in
river Yamuna is major cause of river pollution.

13.3 DJB has a net-work of branch, peripheral sewers of about 6217 kms. Also there is
network of 160 kms of trunk sewers. About 91 kms of trunk sewers was settled and
silted. The rehabilitation / de-silting have been completed in 40 kms. and in remaining
51 kms., the works have been awarded and are in progress.

13.4 The consultant for World Bank funded, “Delhi Water Supply & Sewerage Project”
estimated 5259 MLD water supply requirement for Delhi in 2021 and waste water
generation from this level of water supply will be about 3760 MLD as per Statement
No.13.8.

Statement No. 13.8

14. WASTE WATER REUSE

14.1 The main opportunities for reuse of treated wastewater in and around the city are
considered to be irrigation, horticulture and industrial use. There is now demand for
sue as cooling water in the power stations. Others options include ground water
recharge, return to be raw water source, and the treatment and reuse of sullage
water, i.e. water that does not contain human excreta, for flushing toilets, etc.

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 161

14.2 Presently DJB supplies about 138 MGD of treated waste water to the Irrigation Deptt.
This is discharged directly to the Irrigation channels from the sewage treatment plants.

14.3 A number of small reuse projects are in the planning or implementation stages. They
comprise horticultural, irrigation and industrial uses, and will use up to 46 MGD (210
MLD). Besides, STPs of Delhi Jal Board, treated waste water is available from CETPs
in industrial areas being maintained by DSIIDC and Mini STPs of Slum & JJ
Department.

14.4 18 major drains pollute Yamuna river for various reasons including due to over-flow
of untreated sewage from unsewered areas. It has been decided to lay interceptor
sewers for cleaning Yamuna river. Engineers India Ltd. has been appointed as Project
Management Consultant (PMC) for this project and an escrow account has been
created. Data collection in terms of quantity / quality of flow in drains has been
completed. Geo technical survey has been done. Detailed feasibility report submitted
on September, 2008 and detailed project report submitted on 15.12.2008 which is
being scrutinized for calling of tenders.

14.5 DDA is responsible for 4,451 hectares of open spaces, all of which are irrigated
via tubewells. There is also irrigation of MCD open spaces, Central Government
properties, private parks and properties, road verges, sports stadiums etc. The details
of the green areas being maintained by the various agencies is indicated in Statement
No. 13.9.
Statement No. 13.9

162 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009

 Statement No. 13.10

15. WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT

15.1 Due to the continuous inflow of migrants and the mushrooming growth of unauthorized
colonies and JJ clusters, the landscape of Delhi is spotted with different types of
settlements. More than 45% population is residing in such unplanned settlements
where sewerage system is not provided. The estimated waste water generation in
Delhi in January, 2000 and the population served with sewerage system may be seen
at Table No. 13.2. Now, plan schemes to provide sewerage systems in regularized
unauthorized colonies, J.J. resettlement colonies, and urbanized villages, are being
implemented and the present status of these colonies may be seen at Table 13.4.

ECONOMIC SURVEY OF DELHI, 2008-2009 163