Andhra Pradesh approves treated wastewater reuse policy for all 123 urban bodies to boost water security

Andhra Pradesh government has approved the Reuse of Treated Used Water policy 2026, which introduces a comprehensive framework for collection, treatment, allocation, pricing, monitoring and reuse of treated wastewater in all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The policy aims to strengthen long-term water security, reduce freshwater consumption, promote circular economy and support climate-resilient urban development under Prime Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Swarna Andhra Vision 2047.

The policy aims to transform treated wastewater into a valuable resource for non-potable uses, including industrial use, construction, landscaping, municipal services, parks, road cleaning, fire fighting, railway yards, bus depots, ports and, where possible, agriculture, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Chief Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The policy also aims to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into natural water bodies and reduce dependence on freshwater sources.

The government has set phased targets to ensure that at least 20% of urban water demand is met through treated used water. The target covers 20 ULBs by 2027, 40 by 2028, 90 by 2029 and all 123 ULBs by 2030. At the state level, the policy aims to meet 20% of industrial water demand through treated water by 2028 and 40% by 2030.

The policy mandates the use of treated water by thermal power plants located within 50 km from wastewater treatment plants, industries with water demand exceeding 10 KLD located within 10 km from ULBs, commercial establishments such as car wash units, construction projects and other bulk users. It also encourages dual plumbing systems for washing and other non-potable purposes in future residential and commercial developments.

To ensure safe practice, purified water will only be provided in accordance with quality standards established by competent authorities and the use of drinking water or practices involving direct human contact will not be permitted. Dedicated institutional mechanisms including TUW Cells in ULBs, State Level Technical Committee, High Powered Committee and district level implementation committees will oversee implementation, monitoring and compliance. The policy also proposes an online management information system to track the production, quality, pricing and use of purified water across the state.