Process and cost evaluation of small-scale WWTPs (India)

Sewerage networks and sewage treatment facilities have not been able to keep pace with the growing population and urbanization in India, resulting in the discharge of untreated wastewater into water bodies causing pollution. This study finds the lacunas in the existing system with field learning and provides a robust and sustainable solution. Cost being a vital part of sustainability, an in- depth cost analysis of small scale STPs with a capacity of 50 KLD, 100 KLD, and 500 KLD has been undertaken for the four government-approved technologies, namely CAS, MBBR, SBR, and MBR. Comparatively, SBR proves to be more affordable, profitable, and efficient. Estimation of cost savings and cost earnings proves that STP can be made profitable, especially for the communities/apartments that rely on tanker water. The project concludes with a management – governance model for a decentralized sewage treatment process where the functional and operational relationships between different stakeholders have been collaborated to increase transparency and accountability and to achieve financial stability.