DJB explores advanced treatment methods to make contaminated groundwater suitable for drinking in Delhi (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is exploring advanced water treatment technologies to convert contaminated groundwater into drinking water as the national capital faces a summer supply deficit of around 250 million gallons per day (MGD).
The initiative focuses on groundwater aquifers in areas such as the Najafgarh drain belt and Garhi Mandu, where high concentrations of dissolved salts, heavy metals and other pollutants have made the water unsuitable for direct consumption.
According to the report , DJB has issued an expression of interest (EoI) inviting technology providers and research institutions to install and operate treatment systems for groundwater extracted through tubewells.
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The proposed systems must be capable of treating water with total dissolved solids (TDS) levels of up to 10,000 milligrams per litre or higher. The treated water must meet drinking water standards prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The TDS concentration in these areas generally ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 milligrams per litre, and may exceed 10,000 mg/l in some locations, according to the report. Other contaminants include fluoride, nitrate, iron, manganese, arsenic, lead and mercury.
The proposal is part of DJB's broader plan to install 300-400 tubewells across the city to strengthen existing water supplies.
DJB has shortlisted 26 tubewells near the Najafgarh drain, where tests have detected high concentrations of total dissolved solids in groundwater.
DJB is also considering treatment facilities on approximately 20,000 square metres of vacant land at the Ujwa underground reservoir (UGR). The treated groundwater could be blended with the reservoir's existing water supply of 1.40 MGD.
The EoI seeks treatment solutions with capacities ranging from 10 MGD to 50 MGD or more, with modular systems that can be expanded as required. High-recovery reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are among the suggested technologies.
The selected solution will also need to minimise water wastage, maximise recovery and ensure safe management of concentrated reject water generated during treatment.
The project aims to unlock additional groundwater resources while addressing the technical and environmental challenges associated with treating heavily contaminated water.
