With 30 Indian cities at risk of facing increasing water problems in the future, Delhi is already in the midst of this severe water crisis. The city ranks second among these cities in India with the worst water shortages. 

As heat waves impact North India, Delhiites are struggling with an acute water shortage, often lining up for hours to get water from tankers. Similar situations have recently impacted Bengaluru and Chennai due to rapid growth and poor water management. 

With over 35 million people depending on Delhi’s water supply, the city is using more water than it can naturally replenish. The city needs 1,290 million gallons of water every day but can only supply 1,000 million gallons. To fill this gap, its overusing groundwater. 

Learning from Singapore’s successful strategies, Delhi can also benefit by managing water more effectively, collecting rainwater and cutting down on water wastage. 

With the help of this article let’s first understand Delhi’s water shortage situation and learn about the possible solutions for it. 

Sources Of Water In Delhi

Major rivers like the Yamuna surround Delhi.  Yet it relies on various water sources to meet its water needs due to limited local water availability. Here are the main sources from which Delhi receives its water:

1. Rivers

The Yamuna River is one of Delhi’s primary water sources. It provides 40% of the city’s water supply. Other sources include the Ganga River (25%), the Bhakra Nangal Dam (22%), and tube wells (13%), according to the Delhi Jal Board. 

However, pollution levels in the yamuna river have risen significantly over the years. This is affecting its suitability for direct consumption without extensive treatment.  Even though only 2% of the Yamuna flows through Delhi, the city is responsible for 76% of the yamuna river’s pollution.

2. Groundwater

Groundwater extraction is another significant source of water for Delhi.  Excessive pumping has led to declining water levels and concerns about sustainability.

Delhi’s groundwater levels have been declining at an alarming rate of about 0.5 to 2 meters per year in various parts of the city.

3. Neighbouring States

Under the Yamuna Water Sharing Pact, Delhi relies on neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and UP for its water supply.

4. Rainwater Harvesting

In recent years, rainwater harvests have been increasing in Delhi.  It supplements traditional water sources and reduces dependence on external supplies.

These sources together contribute to Delhi’s water supply. Delhi faces big water challenges, pollution, over-use water, and disputes with neighbouring states. These issues make it hard to ensure enough water for the city’s growing population.

Causes Of Water Crisis In Delhi

Several factors, including pollution and over-use, are causing Delhi’s water crisis. This puts pressure on its water supply and infrastructure. Here are the key causes contributing to the crisis.

1. Over-extraction Of Groundwater

Delhi’s high dependence on groundwater leads to over-extraction, exceeding the rate of replenishment.  This has led to a rapid decline in groundwater levels increasing water scarcity.

2. Increase In Population

Delhi’s population has seen rapid growth as many people are moving to the city for jobs and better living conditions. The city’s population has increased by 2.63% from last year.

This places greater demands on its limited water supply infrastructure. Rapid urbanization and migration contribute to higher water consumption rates.

3. Pollution Of Water Bodies

The Yamuna River, a major water source for Delhi, is severely polluted. As of 2021, the rivers in Delhi are classified as “critically polluted.” This pollution is due to high levels of industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. It reduces the availability of clean water and increases treatment costs.

4. Climate Change

Another major cause of the water crisis in Delhi is climate change. Unpredictable monsoons disrupt the water supply, and heat waves increase the demand for water for cooling and drinking.

5. Poor Water Management And Supply

Delhi’s water distribution system is inefficient due to leaks, poor maintenance, and wastage, causing uneven water supply across the city. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), responsible for water supply and management, has struggled to ensure proper distribution.

Many areas lack piped connections and rely on tankers. Due to leaks in DJB pipelines, about 52% of the water is wasted.

6. Inter-State Water Disputes

Delhi depends on neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for water supply. This leads to political and logistical disputes over sharing agreements.

7. Tanker Mafia

“Tanker Mafia” or private water suppliers sell out government water at high prices to posh localities or industries. This illegal activity results in approximately 40% of water being lost due to unauthorized connections, leaks, and theft. 

As a result, rural communities are left with no access to clean water, forcing them to rely on polluted water sources. This activity further strains the city’s water management efforts.

8. Increase In Fire Incidents

Rising temperatures in summer have led to more power outages in Delhi. The fire department now receives about 160 calls daily during this period, a 25% increase from last year.

Firefighting, especially during heatwaves, uses a lot of water. This sudden surge in demand can strain local water resources and firefighting capabilities.

Addressing these multifaceted causes requires integrated strategies. The solutions include smart water use, better infrastructure, less pollution, and proper management. These ensure fair access to clean and enough water for all Delhi residents.

Impact Of Water Crisis In Delhi

The water crisis in Delhi has profound impacts on various aspects of life in the city. It is affecting both public health and socio-economic conditions:

Health Issues

Waterborne Diseases:

Dirty water and poor sanitation increase the risk of cholera and typhoid. These diseases can lead to severe health complications and even fatalities. It particularly affects vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Social Impact

Unequal Access:

The uneven distribution of water worsens socio-economic disparities. Marginalized communities often face greater challenges in accessing clean and reliable water sources. This disparity can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.

Economic Impact

Productivity Loss:

Delhi’s industries rely on water for manufacturing, and they face problems and higher costs when there is water scarcity or poor water quality. This can reduce productivity by up to 36% globally, which affects economic output. 

These industries might have to spend more on water treatment or deal with interruptions in their operations. Using water quality sensors can help monitor and manage water usage, reducing waste and ensuring a steady supply for these industries.

Tourism and Reputation:

Poor water quality and infrastructure can deter tourism and business investments. This can affect Delhi’s reputation as a livable and economically viable city.

Addressing the impacts of the water crisis in Delhi requires comprehensive strategies. These efforts are essential for improving public health and socio-economic conditions. It is also for ensuring the long-term resilience and prosperity of the city.

How To Tackle This Problem Of Water Crisis In Delhi?

Tackling the water crisis in Delhi requires a multifaceted approach. It combines technological innovation, policy reforms, and community engagement. Here are effective strategies and examples of their implementation:

1. Grey Water Recycling

Implementing systems to recycle greywater can reduce freshwater demand for non-potable uses. Cities like Singapore have successfully adopted advanced wastewater treatment technologies.

Such technologies recycle and reuse grey water for industrial and residential purposes, thereby easing pressure on freshwater sources.

2. Desalination

Coastal cities like Chennai in India face water scarcity. They have turned to desalination plants to convert seawater into drinking water. These plants use reverse osmosis technology to remove salts and impurities. This provides a reliable source of freshwater independent of rainfall and groundwater availability.

3. Increase Rainwater Harvesting

Promoting rainwater harvesting systems can capture rainwater for various uses. Ahmedabad in India has implemented mandatory rainwater harvesting in new buildings. This results in increased groundwater recharge and reduced reliance on external water sources.

4. Groundwater Recharge

Recharging groundwater by collecting rainwater and managing water flows is vital. Examples from Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra showcase community-led initiatives. Building check dams and recharge wells helps keep water sources full.

5. Smart Water Management Systems

Smart technology like IOT sensors and water level controllers helps deliver water to the right places at the right time. It can detect leaks, monitor water levels and improve efficiency in water management. 

Cities like Cape Town in South Africa have employed smart water metering systems. These systems monitor usage and encourage conservation during periods of drought.

6. Government Policies

Enforcing policies that promote sustainable water use and pollution control is essential. Examples include the Jal Jeevan Mission in India, which aims to provide piped water supply to all households.

Singapore’s comprehensive water management policies integrate supply diversification, demand management, and public education.

By adopting these strategies and successful implementations, Delhi can mitigate its water crisis. It can ensure fair access to clean water. It also builds resilience against future water challenges.

Public awareness, community participation, and collaboration with government policies are crucial. These practices help achieve sustainable water management practices for the city’s long-term water security.

Let’s understand Singapore’s approach to managing its water crisis with the help of these strategies.

Singapore Water Crisis: Case Study

In the 1960s, Singapore faced a daunting water crisis. It relied on Malaysia for almost 80% of its water supply. This situation caused strained relations between the two countries. To secure its water future, Singapore launched the Four National Taps strategy.

• First, they continued to negotiate with Malaysia and secured its water supply agreements.
• Second, it created Marina Barrage and MacRitchie Reservoir to collect rainwater.
• Third, developed technologies to purify used water into NEWater for industry and drinking.
• Fourth, they built facilities to turn seawater into fresh water for a reliable supply.

Thanks to the Singapore government for implementing and executing smart water strategies. This helped transform Singapore into a global leader in managing water resources. Today, about 40% of its water demand is met by NEWater and desalinated water, with 60% from local catchments.

Conclusion

To fix Delhi’s water crisis, we need to work together. The city’s growing population and increasing temperatures have pushed water demand to new heights while the supply struggles to keep up. 

To solve this situation, we must conserve water, reduce waste at a personal level, and educate our friends and neighbours. We can also use smart water technologies like Flotaa’s water level controller and indicators.