India's wastewater: a $35 billion opportunity by 2047

Business Nov 15, 2025

India could unlock over 100,000 new jobs and $35 billion in value by reusing treated wastewater, according to a CEEW study.
Right now, only 28% of urban wastewater gets treated, and most cities don't have systems to reuse it—but there's huge potential if things scale up.

Why does this matter?

New rules mean big water users must reuse more of their wastewater—up to half by 2031.
Cities like Surat are already making money selling treated water for less than freshwater prices.
With ideas like Water Reuse Certificates and green bonds on the table, turning used water into a resource could boost jobs, help industries, and make India's future a lot more sustainable.