Hyderabad Water Board Plans Early Measures to Tackle Summer Water Shortage

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has launched advance preparations to prevent drinking water shortages during the coming summer, focusing on conserving existing supplies and increasing the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes.

The measures are being taken on the directions of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, amid concerns that El Niño could lead to reduced rainfall and increase pressure on the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs.

As part of the initiative, HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy held a special meeting on Friday with representatives of CREDAI, NAREDCO and TBF to discuss alternatives to drinking water and groundwater for construction and other commercial activities.

He urged the construction sector, industries, parks and landscaping operators to use treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs) wherever possible. The Board has set an initial target of facilitating the use of 100 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water for non-potable purposes.

The Board is also preparing to introduce its ‘Dial-A-Green’ tanker service from November 1. A dedicated digital platform is being developed to support online bookings and tanker tracking. Officials aim to make the platform operational within the next seven to ten days.

Meanwhile, 51 private STPs have registered with the Board. A preliminary assessment has identified approximately 1.5 MLD of surplus treated water available daily from these facilities. The Board is exploring supplies to construction sites through tankers and pipelines connecting nearby treatment plants.

Guidelines covering tanker transportation costs, water quality and supply arrangements are expected to be prepared soon.

Emphasising the importance of conservation, Ashok Reddy said the next eight months would be crucial in reducing pressure on drinking water sources. He called on construction companies, industries and the public to support the initiative and use water responsibly.

Representatives of the participating organisations assured the Board of their cooperation. The initiative aims to preserve drinking water for essential needs while encouraging treated wastewater use ahead of the summer season.