Integrated urban water management system for Chandigarh

Abstract

Integrated urban water management (IUWM) is a philosophy of varying definitions and interpretations. IUWM is described as the practice of managing freshwater, wastewater and storm water as components of a basin-wide management plan. IUWM seeks to change the impact of urban development on the natural water cycle based on the premise that by managing the urban water cycle as a whole; a more efficient use of resources can be achieved providing not only economic benefits but also improved social and environmental outcomes. One approach is to establish an inner, urban, water cycle loop through the implementation of reuse strategies. Developing this urban water cycle loop requires an understanding both of the natural, pre-development, water balance and the post-development water balance. newlineChandigarh is a rapidly growing city and expected population of the city in 2021 will be 13.38 lakhs. Existing storm water drains in Chandigarh in some areas are not sufficient due to rapidly increasing paved area. Storm water drains are not capable of draining storm water so ponding occurs in various places. The increase in the population and increasing water supply has resulted in increased sewage flow. This has necessitated augmentation of sewage treatment plant for every residential building or newly constructed towers to reuse that water after treatment. newlineThis study conducts water balance assessment of IUWM plan case studies from Chandigarh. In this study, we have implemented the concept of double plumbing in Chandigarh and in nearby areas so that we can use waste water and storm water for future use. We have designed storage tank of waste water and storm water in the study area in which we have stored waste water and storm water and then further after treatment of that water, we have provided double plumbing system in the houses. In one pipeline, supply of fresh water takes place which can be used for bathing and drinking and in second pipeline; we provided is treated waste water which can be used for flushing of the toilet, garde