Staff Reporter
Panaji
The Goa government has announced that treated water from nine sewage treatment plants (STPs) across the state will be made available free of charge for non-potable use by the public, commercial establishments, and industries.
The government estimates that treated water from these plants could meet up to 50% of the demand for non-potable water in construction-related activities such as concrete curing, dust suppression, soil compaction, and road works within 15 kilometres of an operational STP.
The Finance Department issued a public notice stating that treated wastewater from the following STPs can now be used without cost: Calangute-Baga (5.6 MLD), Patto-Panaji (2 MLD), Sankhali (0.8 MLD), Shirvodem-Margao (4.20 MLD and 6.7 MLD), Katem-Baina Vasco (6.20 MLD), Durbhat (1 MLD), Colva (7.50 MLD), and Kavlem-Ponda (15 MLD). Additionally, the treated water is intended for agricultural use and urban needs such as watering public parks, roadside gardens, street cleaning, floor washing, and industrial processes including cooling towers and concrete mixing.
Hotels near operational STPs have been encouraged to use the water for gardening and cleaning purposes.
The notice stated that any individual or organisation wishing to avail of this facility must arrange for dedicated tankers following the prescribed colour-coding guidelines. These tankers cannot be used for transporting potable water or sewage. Water will be provided at no cost, and necessary pumping arrangements will be made at each STP. For enquiries, interested parties can contact the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd. at info@sidcgl.com or call 0832-6641478/77.
