Citizens roped in as ‘Save Water Volunteers’

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has launched an innovative “Save Water Volunteer” programme aimed at reducing water wastage and promoting responsible usage across the city. The initiative seeks to actively involve citizens in monitoring misuse of drinking water and supporting enforcement efforts through a structured, technology-driven system.

Under the programme, interested individuals can register online through the official HMWSSB website by submitting basic details such as name, address, mobile number, photograph, and a valid photo ID proof. The applications will be reviewed by the Water Board, and selected volunteers will be officially enrolled to participate in the initiative. The registration link is available under the “Quick Links” section of the website.

Once verified, volunteers will gain access to a dedicated mobile application designed to report instances of water wastage. Through this app, users can upload complaints along with photographic evidence of misuse. Each complaint is authenticated באמצעות an OTP-based verification system to ensure credibility. Water Board officials will then review the submissions and initiate appropriate action against violators.

The programme includes a strict enforcement mechanism. Verified complaints are linked to the concerned consumer’s connection account number (CAN), and penalties are imposed directly. These fines are recorded in the user’s ledger and added to their subsequent water bill. At the same time, the initiative also incentivises volunteers who actively participate in identifying and reporting violations.

Authorities have clarified that the app specifically targets misuse of drinking water, including illegal pumping using motors attached to pipelines, as well as wastage for non-essential purposes such as washing vehicles, cleaning floors, gardening, construction work, or overflow from overhead tanks. Volunteers play a key role in identifying such violations, capturing evidence, and uploading it for swift action.

By combining citizen participation with digital monitoring and enforcement, the Water Board aims to build a culture of accountability and conservation. The initiative calls upon residents to become partners in safeguarding water resources and contribute towards a more sustainable and water-secure Hyderabad.

HMWSSB launches private STP registration drive

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has initiated a comprehensive programme for the registration of private Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to promote efficient water reuse and strengthen conservation efforts across the city. The initiative targets STPs operated by residential colonies, industries, and other private entities within the CURE area.

As part of the programme, all private STPs will be surveyed, geo-tagged, and integrated into the HMWSSB database. Key operational details such as treatment capacity, daily output of treated water, and quality parameters—including COD, BOD, pH, and TSS—will be systematically recorded. The move aims to ensure that treated water is effectively utilized for non-drinking purposes like gardening, industrial operations, cleaning, and construction, thereby reducing dependence on potable water.

The Water Board will also register interested STPs as suppliers of treated water, enabling them to meet local demand. Regular inspections will be conducted to verify compliance with prescribed quality standards. Additionally, registered units will be able to update real-time availability of treated water through an online portal, improving accessibility and transparency.

Private STP operators can apply via the official HMWSSB website under the “Quick Links” section. Required details include CAN number, society or applicant name, STP specifications, geo-location, photographs, and certification from EPTRI.

This initiative is expected to enhance water efficiency, ensure better monitoring, and create a sustainable framework for reuse of treated wastewater.