UWM Planning for Small and Medium towns
Approach and Methodology
This guidelines was developed to serve as a practical guide for UWM practitioners. It aims to bridge the knowledge gap by offering comprehensive, step-by-step guidance that simplifies feasibility assessments and planning for UWM in smaller towns
Data Collection
- Urban Local Bodies (ULB),
- Water and Sewerage Boards,
- Public Works Departments (PWD),
- State Urban Development Authorities,
- Pollution Control Boards,
- Housing Boards,
- Para-statal agencies.
- Local community,
- NGOs,
- Sanitation workers,
- Operators,
- Local farmers andÂ
- Agencies enforcing regulations across the sanitation value chain.
Annexure
The reconnaissance survey is an initial exploration and assessment essential for facilitating the subsequent data collection and validation activities. This visit re-confirms the secondary data and will also enable planning for primary data collection. The key components of the reconnaissance survey encompass:
- Stakeholders’ consultation
- Validation and collection of missing data (secondary data)
- Understanding the town’s landscape through transect walk.
- Assessment of existing UWM infrastructure through field visit
Annexures
This step involves gathering existing data from published sources, academic research, government reports, and other relevant documents. Such a review provides a foundational understanding of the current used water management status, historical context, and future outlook to identify existing challenges and opportunities. The data source may be open source, from any available DPRs/ Plans, government portals, or based on discussions with ULB officials/town authorities.
Annexures
Primary data collection is essential in used water management as it enhances accuracy, reliability, and relevance in addressing the specific challenges of each location. Although secondary data offers a broad foundational understanding, primary data provides precise, up-to-date, and location-specific insights that are crucial for effective planning and intervention.
- Field surveys and Interviews
- Household survey
- De-sludging operator survey
- Field observations and Monitoring
- Topographic survey
- Used water flow measurement in drains
- Water body information
- Used water and FS characteristicsÂ
- Information on existing UWM infrastructure
Annexures
- Household Survey
- De-Sludging Operator Survey
- Field Observations and Monitoring
- Watch Video â–¶
Data Interpretation & Gap Assessment
Population projection is paramount important to assess the future water requirements, the quantity of used water and FS generated, as well as to plan and design the UWM infrastructure. To achieve this, it is necessary to carry out population projection using an appropriate method.
- Arithmetic Increase
- Geometric progression
- Incremental Increase
Based on the town’s characteristics and historical trends of population growth, an appropriate population projection method should be selected to assess the population for the design period (Base year, intermediate year and ultimate year).
Annexures
Estimating used water generation at the town level is essential for evaluating the adequacy of existing UWM infrastructure and determining any need for additional capacity.
UW generation = water consumption*0.8* Population
Estimating used water generation at the town level is essential for evaluating the adequacy of existing UWM infrastructure and determining any need for additional capacity.
UW generation = Sludge accumulation rate * Population
0.00021 cum/person/day- septic tanks
0.00018 cum/person/day- pits
Annexures
Flow Measurements are carried out at drain end points using any of the following three methods
- Float method
- Probe method
- V- Notch Method
Composite measurements are carried out during peak hours the entire day
Open areas are areas without a drain network, where used water is flowing in open
Annexures
Insufficient or poorly functioning sanitation systems increase the risk of disease transmission by enabling the spread of pathogens. Waste from human activities, primarily faeces and urine, can introduce hazards at multiple stages - including unsafe toilets, inadequate containment, improper transportation, ineffective treatment, and unsafe disposal.
The frequency and nature of exposure to these hazardous events determines the level of risk. For example, in cases where households lack proper containment and dispose of waste in a local pond used for drinking water, the risk is classified as very high.
A structured approach to assessing sanitation risks involves several key steps:
- Risk Identification: Pinpointing pathways where used water poses health risks to the community.
- Risk Quantification: Determining the number of households in each ward that rely on specific sanitation practices.
- Risk Classification: Categorizing risks as No Risk, Low Risk, or High Risk based on exposure levels.
- Solution Typology: Proposing targeted solutions based on the level of identified risk.
Annexures
Based on secondary research, primary data collection, and reconnaissance visits, it is essential to assess the current used water management (UWM) and faecal sludge management (FSM) infrastructure in the town. This assessment will help determine whether existing systems are adequate to meet both present and future demands for used water management
The typical UWM infrastructure observed in towns includes:
- Sewerage Network with STP.
- Household Containment Systems.
- Decentralized or Cluster-Based UWM Systems.
- Interception and Diversion Systems.
- Faecal Sludge/Septage Management systems
Annexures
The Demand Gap Analysis evaluates the shortfall within the existing Used Water Management (UWM) and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) infrastructure in relation to projected needs driven by population growth and urban expansion. This analysis helps in identifying areas where upgrades, expansions, or operational improvements are necessary to meet future demands in both UWM and FSM. The outcomes from this analysis will include assessments of current treatment capacity, desludging operations, infrastructure requirements, and ULB capacity, along with strategies to address these gaps and ensure sustainable service delivery
Project Formulation
Based on the findings from the analysis, suitable project interventions are proposed. These interventions include a combination of centralised, decentralised, and onsite systems tailored to the town’s geography and existing infrastructure. The proposed projects may involve one or more solutions, integrating various systems to ensure efficient collection, conveyance, treatment, and safe disposal of both used water and faecal sludge, aligned with the specific needs and geographical characteristics of each town
The projects fall into two primary categories: Used Water Management (UWM) and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM).
Used Water Management (UWM) Projects
- Pipe-based Network and Treatment Systems (Sewerage Network with STP): Where applicable, a centralised sewer network and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is proposed to collect and transport sewage.
- Drain-based Conveyance and Treatment System (Interception and Diversion System with STP): In towns with drains, Interception and Diversion (I&D) systems will be implemented to manage used water effectively. These systems intercept the used water flowing through the drains and divert it to a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treatment.
- Decentralised Systems for Isolated Areas: For geographically isolated areas, low-density population pockets, or locations lacking proper drainage infrastructure, localised treatment/safe disposal solutions are necessary.
- Sewer Cleaning Machine Requirements: To maintain and ensure the functionality of the sewer and I&D networks, adequate cleaning machinery, including jetting machines, will be procured.
Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) Projects
- FS Emptying and Transportation (Conveyance): To efficiently collect and transport faecal sludge, desludging trucks and related equipment will be procured. Provisions for servicing inaccessible areas will be included, ensuring that faecal sludge is managed safely and hygienically.
- FS Co-treatment at Existing or Proposed STP: Where feasible, faecal sludge (FS) will be co-treated alongside used water at existing or proposed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to optimise resource utilisation and enhance treatment efficiency.
- Stand-alone Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP): A dedicated Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) is proposed for the treatment of faecal sludge from onsite sanitation systems, such as septic tanks in cases where there is no existing or proposed Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) within the town.
Implementation plan
From the planning exercise, project interventions are systematically identified, detailed with conceptual designs and block cost estimates, and finalised in consultation with concerned stakeholders to ensure 100% coverage of Used Water Management (UWM) across the town. However, at this stage, it is essential to prioritise the identified projects based on available funds and immediate needs. The prioritisation and finalisation of UWM projects must be done in a structured manner, considering the town's urgent requirements, the available funding from the state and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and the potential impact of each intervention. This process ensures that critical issues are addressed first, while balancing resources and project feasibility.
