Odisha Notifies Landmark Water Reuse Policy, Targets 50% by 2036
Bhubaneswar, April 28: The Odisha government has unveiled a landmark Policy on Reuse of Treated Used Water (TUW), 2026, aiming to transform wastewater into a valuable resource to address seasonal and spatial water stress.
Under the policy, all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must achieve 100% collection, conveyance, and treatment of used water by 2030, with 20% reuse by 2030 and 50% reuse by 2036.
Currently, Odisha generates nearly 1,104 MLD of used water, but only 190 MLD is treated.
The new framework seeks to bridge this gap by mandating safe reuse for non‑potable applications such as municipal sanitation, industrial cooling, agricultural irrigation, and environmental rejuvenation.
The policy introduces a TUW Tariff Model, pricing treated water lower than potable water, alongside incentives like water credits for farmers, tariff rebates for industries, and performance‑linked compliance measures.
Governance will be overseen by a State High Powered Committee (SHPC), supported by technical and district committees, with implementation led by OWSSB, WATCO, and PHEO.
Cities with existing sewerage systems must ensure 20% reuse within six months of notification.
Aligned with the National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (2023) and AMRUT 2.0, the policy positions Odisha as a frontrunner in sustainable urban water management.
