Low Industrial Reuse of Treated Wastewater Despite High Water Scarcity

Tamil Nadu faces significant water scarcity, yet the majority of treated sewage water from STPs is discharged rather than being recycled for industrial use. Neighbouring states have successfully implemented treated wastewater reuse programmes for industries, reducing freshwater demand significantly. Establishing infrastructure and regulatory mandates to channel treated water to industrial zones could address both water scarcity and reduce freshwater over-extraction.