The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has launched its Green Water Tanker service to promote the reuse of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes and reduce pressure on the city’s drinking water resources.
The initiative was formally launched on Sunday, November 1, at the Telangana Secretariat, coinciding with the Water Board’s 37th Foundation Day.
Under the programme, treated wastewater from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will be supplied through specially designated green tankers for construction work, gardening, landscaping, maintenance of public parks and other non-potable requirements.
The initiative follows directions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to encourage the use of treated wastewater instead of drinking water for activities that do not require potable water.
21 Green Water Tankers in the First Phase
- According to the Water Board’s announcement, 21 Green Water Tankers are being deployed in the first phase, with arrangements involving 19 Sewage Treatment Plants across Hyderabad.
- The programme is intended to expand gradually to cover additional areas and divisions.
- Around 100 private tankers, along with vehicles associated with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), have registered to participate in the initiative.
- The tankers will collect treated wastewater from designated STP filling points and transport it to approved users.
Where Will the Treated Water Be Used?
The Green Water service is intended to supply treated wastewater for several non-drinking purposes, including:
- Construction activities at building and infrastructure projects.
- Gardening and landscaping.
- Maintenance of public parks and green spaces.
- Roadside greenery and plantation activities.
- Industrial and other approved non-potable requirements.
- Government offices and municipal facilities.
Government departments, public parks and agencies responsible for maintaining greenery will receive priority, followed by construction companies, industries and other eligible users.
Special Safety Measures for Green Tankers
- To prevent the misuse of treated wastewater, the Water Board has introduced specific identification and monitoring measures.
- Every Green Water Tanker must be painted green and display the warning:
“STP TREATED WATER – NOT FOR DRINKING”
Special officers have also been appointed at individual sewage treatment plants to supervise:
- Tanker filling operations.
- Allocation of tankers to users.
- Water quality monitoring.
- Supply and distribution activities.
- Operational management at filling stations.
The Board is also working towards improved monitoring through digital booking, GPS tracking and electronic Point of Sale (e-POS) systems.
Around 100 Private Tankers Register for the Initiative
- The Water Board has received registrations from approximately 100 private tankers, besides vehicles associated with GHMC and HMDA.
- The initiative is expected to encourage more construction companies, commercial establishments, government departments and institutions to use treated wastewater for activities that do not require drinking-quality water.
- The Board has also been working on expanding the booking and supply arrangements through its designated systems and filling stations.
Water Conservation Amid El Niño Concerns
- The initiative assumes importance as Hyderabad prepares for future water demand and possible pressure on freshwater resources.
- The anticipated El Nino conditions and concerns over water availability have increased the importance of conserving drinking water and reducing unnecessary dependence on freshwater sources.
- Using treated wastewater for construction, gardening and other non-drinking purposes can help preserve drinking water supplies and reduce pressure on groundwater resources.
- HMWSSB Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy said the Board’s jurisdiction has expanded from 167 square kilometres at its establishment to approximately 2,053 square kilometres.
- He encouraged government departments, construction companies and commercial organisations to make use of treated wastewater wherever suitable.
A Step Towards Sustainable Water Management
- Hyderabad’s Green Water Tanker initiative represents an effort to improve wastewater reuse and promote responsible water consumption.
- Instead of using treated drinking water for construction, landscaping and gardening, institutions and businesses can utilise treated wastewater for suitable purposes.
- The success of the programme will depend on effective implementation, regular water quality checks, transparent tanker operations and wider participation from public and private organisations.
- The initiative aims to ensure that valuable drinking water is reserved for essential domestic needs while treated wastewater is put to productive use.
Source: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and reports published on November 1, 2026.
