Hyderabad to get treated water in ‘green’ tankers from Nov 1

The booking process for these green tankers would start on October 31. The registration of tankers, bookings, and supply details will be monitored through the Command Control Centre dashboard.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is gearing up to ensure the launch of the ‘Green Water Tanker’ initiative from November 1.

HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy said on Friday, October 30, that arrangements are being made to supply treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) via ‘green water tankers’ for industrial use, construction activities, gardening, and other non-potable purposes.

He said the primary objective of this initiative is to increase the reuse of treated water, reduce the wastage of drinking water, and conserve groundwater resources.

Reddy was speaking at an online review meeting with the top brass from the three regions, where he provided guidance on the registration of tankers, the establishment of filling points at STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants), the identification of consumers, and coordination with government departments.

He said these measures are being taken in light of the anticipated El Niño conditions and the increasing pressure on groundwater resources. He said the Water Board will serve as the nodal agency for this initiative.

Tankers to come with warning

In the first phase, treated water would be supplied to the GHMC, other municipal corporations, the HMDA, government offices, parks, green spaces along roads, and for landscaping requirements.

Tankers with capacities of 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 litres are to be registered and branded as ‘Green Water’ tankers, with each of them displaying a clear warning—”Not for drinking – for non-potable use only.”

STP CGM Padmaja has been appointed as the Nodal Officer to oversee the programme. Likewise, a dedicated officer, an O&M (Operations and Maintenance) coordination officer, and an in-charge for the filling station at each STP would be appointed.

These officials have been tasked with overseeing water quality testing, the registration of tankers, and the management of supply.

Booking to begin on Oct 31

The booking process for these green tankers would start on October 31. The registration of tankers, bookings, and supply details will be monitored through the Command Control Centre dashboard.

As many as 56 tankers and nine users have been registered so far. Officials were advised to maintain manual registers in the event of any technical issues.

The supply of ‘green tankers’ will begin on the morning of November 1, with four to five tankers to be kept available at each filling point. Officials will be overseeing the first few trips.