INDUSTRIAL USE OF FRESH-WATER VIS-A-VIS RECLAIMED MUNICIPAL WASTE-WATER IN MADRAS, INDIA

There is need for reclaimed wastewater to offset the significant deman d on fresh water by the petrochemical complex in Madras. In view of th e present water supply of about 70 1 per capita per day (lpcd) for the 4.5 million people of Madras City and water augmentation projects inc reasing this to a maximum of about 130 lpcd, the Metropolitan Water Su pply and Sewage Board (Metrowater) has embarked on projects for the re clamation of municipal wastewater. Over the next 3-4 y the proposed 10 0 mid reclaimed municipal wastewater supply project will cost an estim ated US $183 million. Pilot plants, consumer education, industry inter action, technology absorption, and international funding have been ins trumental in revealing past and future issues which may affect the cur rent project for reclaiming wastewater. This paper is designed to assi st other developing countries which find an industrial water shortage and municipal wastewater inadequately used.