Devanahalli's Water Revolution: From Borewells to Potable Reuse

Devanahalli, once reliant on deep borewells, now receives 6,40,000 litres of potable water daily through an innovative reuse project. This initiative, led by Boson Whitewater and Biome Environmental Trust, aims to revive lakes, recharge aquifers, and meet the town's water demands sustainably.

Devanahalli, a small town north of Bengaluru, has transformed into an industrial hub after the establishment of an international airport. Now, it receives 6,40,000 litres of potable drinking water daily through an indirect potable water reuse project adhering to BIS-10500 standards.

Previously, the town's 45,000 residents relied heavily on deep borewells for water. The new initiative, in collaboration with Boson Whitewater and Biome Environmental Trust, implements aquifer recharge to sustainably meet water needs.

According to Vishwanath S, advisor at Biome Environmental Trust, the project involves diluting treated wastewater with rainwater in local lakes and filtering it through the earth before final treatment. This process aims to make the town self-sufficient using local water sources and treated wastewater.

The project includes treating wastewater from STPs and pumping it into Bagalur Lake for dilution, further mixing it in Sihineerukere Lake, and filtering it to recharge aquifers. The system can meet Devanahalli's 5.4 MLD water demand, with Phase 1 delivering 240 KL daily and Phase 2 expanding to 640 KL daily.

Vikas Brahmavar, CEO of Boson Whitewater, emphasized the project's vision to create a sustainable water source by utilizing every drop of wastewater. The initiative is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate 65 lakes in Bengaluru using treated wastewater and rainwater.

(With inputs from agencies.)