Strengthening Hospital Wastewater Recycling System: A Capacity Building Study in a Secondary Care Setting

Efficient wastewater management is crucial for hospitals, where water demand is high and sustainability is essential. This study aims to estimate the daily clean water requirement and determine the optimal sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity for a secondary care hospital. The objective was to assess water reuse potential and the compliance of treated wastewater with pollution control standards.

A descriptive observational study was conducted over six months in a secondary care teaching hospital. Primary data were collected on occupancy rates and water use, while secondary data were obtained from national building codes and BIS norms to guide tank capacity planning. Physical characteristics of treated water were monitored to assess plant performance.

For 95 functional beds in this hospital, 200 daily outpatients visiting, and 200 staff working, a water requirement of ∼80 KLD was projected. An STP of equivalent capacity was constructed. Post-treatment, 49% of the water was reused for flushing and gardening, while the remaining 51% was supplied to nearby agricultural fields. Treated water met pollution control standards for reuse.

Proper estimation of hospital water needs and tank capacity at the planning stage enables long-term water sustainability and cost efficiency. Reusing treated water reduces operational costs and contributes to SDG 6 goals for clean water and sanitation in healthcare settings.