July 10, 2026
As climate change makes rainfall more unpredictable and water shortages more common around the world, treated wastewater is emerging as an untapped solution for building water resilience.
In his Hindustan Times column, Vital Signs, OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan explores how Bangalore, India, is demonstrating the potential of wastewater reuse. Instead of treating wastewater as something to dispose of, the city is using it to replenish lakes and underground aquifers, helping restore groundwater supplies and support agriculture in nearby water-scarce regions.
The approach shows how cities can transform a constant byproduct into a reliable water resource, even during periods of drought. While challenges such as water quality monitoring remain, Bangalore’s experience offers valuable lessons for communities worldwide seeking sustainable ways to adapt to climate change and growing water stress. “Every growing Indian city produces a drought-proof stream of water every day of the year; the question is whether we can afford not to use this valuable resource.”
Read the article here.
