Gujarat is planning to implement the new Liquid Waste Management Rules 2024 which will apply on residential societies. These new rules will mandate that residential societies, both existing and newly constructed, adopt water recycling practices, beginning in 2027. The regulations aim to promote sustainable water management across residential communities, urban areas, and industrial sectors.
Under these rules, which is currently in draft form, the residential societies using over 5,000lt of water per day or generating a pollution load of more than 10kg in biological oxygen demand (BOD) will be classified as bulk water users. These societies will be required to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through a centralized portal.
Introducing Extended User Responsibility (EUR)
A core component of the rules is the Extended User Responsibility (EUR) policy, which mandates that bulk water users are responsible for treating and reusing a portion of the wastewater they produce. To ensure accountability, societies will need to report monthly and annually on water consumption, wastewater generation, treatment, recycling, and discharge via an online platform managed by the CPCB.
Starting April 2027, newly constructed societies must recycle at least 20% of their total water use, with the requirement increasing to 50% by April 2030. Existing societies will have slightly lower targets, initially recycling 10% in 2027-28 and rising to 25% by 2030-31. Societies will also be restricted from partnering with entities not registered under these rules for wastewater management.
New Mandates for Industry
Industries will also be required to adhere to stringent water reuse targets. For example, an industrial facility using 100,000lt of freshwater daily will need to recycle at least 60% of this water by 2027-28. These targets specifically impact water-intensive sectors such as thermal power, textiles, and pulp and paper.
Real estate developers are already beginning to incorporate water-saving and recycling systems in new residential buildings, according to Credai Ahmedabad, noting proactive efforts within the industry. However, the textile processing sector, which consumes significant water, highlights that meeting the new recycling standards will likely require additional government support.
