K. J.

SOMAIYA POLYTECHNIC

Department of Civil Engineering

Vidyanagar, Vidyavihar.

Mumbai- 400077

Project on

“Case Study of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant”

Under Guidance of

Mr. S. V. Ozarkar

Batch

2020-2021
 K. J. SOMAIYA POLYTECHNIC
Department of Civil Engineering,
Vidyavihar, Mumbai - 400077.
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that project report submitted by the students of final year Diploma in Civil
Engineering (2020-2021) on “Case Study of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant”. A
benefaction for proletarian have satisfactorily completed the requirements of the project report
and I have instructed and guided them for the said work from time to time and I have found them
satisfactorily progressive. And that the following students were associated with the work.
SR NO. NAME of STUDENTS ENROLLMENT NO.
1 Mayuresh Sunil Patil FCEG18148
2 Sakshi Anand Nikam FCEG18138
3 Tejashree Sitaram Pawar FCEW18149
4 Sejal Sushil Kadam FCEG18119
5 Sayali Someshwar Sawant FCEG18157
6 Nishant NarayanPhadke FCEG18150
7 Harshal SangamJadhav FCEG18117
8 Vinay Uday Kocharekar FCEG18125

And that said work has been assessed by me and I am satisfied that the same is up to standard envisaged
for the level of course.

PRINCIPAL H.C.E.D. PROJECT GUIDE

 K.J.SOMAIYA POLYTECHNIC
Department of Civil Engineering,
Vidyanagar, Vidyavihar,
Mumbai-400077.
SUBMISSION

We the students of the final year of course Diploma in Civil Engineering humbly submit the
seminar report that we have complete from time to time. We have completed the project report
work by our skills as per the guidance of our guide.
And the teacher has approved that the following students were associated with his and that, I
have not copied the report from any other literature in contravention of the academics ethics.

SR. NO. NAME of STUDENTS ENROLLMENT NO. SIGN

1 Mayuresh Patil FCEG18148
2 Sakshi Nikam FCEG18138
3 Tejashree Pawar FCEW18149
4 Sejal Kadam FCEG18119
5 Sayali Sawant FCEG18157
6 Nishant Phadke FCEG18150
7 Harshal Jadhav FCEG18117
8 Vinay Kocharekar FCEG18125

DATE: SIGNATURE OF THE GUIDE

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplishment of this project, we are generally in debt to the ones who have best owned
upon us their guidance and the heart pledged support. We warmly confiscate this fortuity to
express our thesis thanksgiving to all those helping hands that bolstered our confidence to
integrate our Diploma project propitiously along with merged efforts. We owe this
acknowledgment with our intense concern towards the generality whose encouragement brought
us on the crest of a wave.
Foremost, we would sincerely thank our Principal Madam Mrs. Padmaja Bhanu Bandru for a
grant that made it possible to complete this study of the project even though the online mode.
Moreover, we consider it as our duty at the same time feel opportune to render our augmenting
gratitude and respect towards our Head of Dept. Mr. R. G. Tambat for his moral support and
genuine encouragement.
We owe our heartfelt appreciation to our Project Guide Mr. Satishcchandra Vinay Ozarkar
for his bona fide support, help, and guidance throughout our attainment of the project. Sir’s
constructive and meticulous comments and sheer suggestions additionally our wide-ranging
discussions were of inestimable value for our concerned study which made an enormous
contribution to our stint work.
We would like to offer our special thanks to Mr. Anand Nikam, J.E., Water Department,
MCGM (also a guardian of our group member) who helped us in every possible way by
providing information which was required. Also, we are very grateful to Mr. Sameer Dubhele,
A.E; & Mr. Atul Bhat, A.E.; Water Department, MCGM who also has helped us by
providing needed information. Similarly, our thanks are also due to Mr. Ramesh Bambale, Ex.
Chief Hydraulics Engineer, MCGM for guiding & supplying us with some quality
information.
Hereby, we hold paramount respect and gratitude towards every particular involved in this
project with our high regards along with idiomatic expressions.
 ABSTRACT
Drinking water, also known as potable water, is water that is safe to drink or use for food
preparation. The amount of drinking water required to maintain good health varies, and depends
on physical activity level, age, health-related issues, and environmental conditions. To get safe
drinking water, water treatment is a basic need nowadays.
Water treatment, as a word originally means the act or process of making water more potable or
useful, as by purifying, clarifying, softening, or deodorizing it. So basically, drinking water
treatment plants are used to remove particles and organisms that lead to diseases and protect the
public’s welfare and supply pure drinking water to the environment, people, and living
organisms. In addition, they also provide drinking water that is pleasant to the senses: taste,
sight, and smell and provide safe, reliable drinking water to the communities they serve. To
provide drinking water to the public is one of the most important tasks of communities and the
design of water supply plants has to follow the rules of engineering sciences and also needs
technical knowledge and practical experience.
Heading up to our case study of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant, it is one of the biggest such
facilities in Asia operated by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation [BMC] 24/7 since it began
operations in 1980.
In this case day, we recommend future upgrades, future needs of the Bhandup water treatment
plant, and also studied treatment procedure, test, distribution of water, demand, supply, etc…
 TABLE OF CONTENT
SR.NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1 INTRODUCTION 1-2
1.1 Introduction To Water Treatment Plant 1
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 3-12
2.1 Evolution of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant 4
2.2 Necessities of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant 7
2.3 Salient Features 8
2.4 Overview of Treatment Plant 9
2.4.1 1910MLD Plant 9
2.4.2 900MLD Plant 11
3 DESIGN of BHANUP WATER TREATMENT PLANT 13-27
3.1 Constituents of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant 14
3.1.1 Raw Water Inlet 14
3.1.2 Chemical Housing For PAC Dosing 15
3.1.3 Pulsatube Clarifies 16
3.1.4 Gravity Sand Filters 17
3.1.5 Aquazur-V Filters 18
3.1.6 Chlorination Building 19
3.1.7 Chlorine Contact Tank 20
3.1.8 Sludge Removal System 21
3.1.9 Pumping Station 23
3.1.10 110 KV Sub Station 23
3.2 Layout And Map 24
3.2.1 Plan 24
3.2.2 Satellite Image 25
3.2.3 Bird’s Eye View 26
3.3.4 Complete View 27
WORKING of BHANDUP WATER TREATMENT
4 28-57
PLANT
4.1 Demand And Supply 29
4.1.1 Population Needs 31
4.1.2 Sources of Water 33
4.2 Water Purification Process 37
4.3 Tests On Water 46
4.4 Distribution of Water 52
4.5 Recirculation of Sludge 57
SR.NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
5 OPERATING COST 58-60
5.1 Major Statics Pertaining To Bhandup Complex 59
5.2 Water Production Cost 59
5.3 Water Supply Charges 60
5.4 Current Set-Up of Staff 60
6 MAINTENANCE & QUALITY CONTROL 61-66
6.1 Maintenance 62
6.2.1 Overview of Quality Control 63
6.2.2 Steps in Quality Control 64
6.4 Water Quality Monitoring 65
7 SCADA 67-69
PROBLEMS FACED BY BHANDUP WATER
8 70-72
TREATMENT PLANT
9 FUTURE SOURCES OF WATER 73-76
10 SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH 77-79
11 CONCLUSION 80-81
12 REFERENCES 82-84
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Page
Name of Tables
No. No.

1 Guarantee Quality of Filters 17

2 Percentage of Satisfaction 30

3 Short Supply (MLD) 30

4 Sources of Water for Bhandup Water Treatment Plant 34

5 PO Value Table 48

6 Wards in Mumbai 55

7 Major Statistics Pertaining to Bhandup Complex 59

8 Water Supply Charges 59

9 Water Production Cost 60

10 Staff Set up 60

11 Drinking water standard 66

12 Future Sources of Water 74

1
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Name Page No.

Figure No. 1 Foundation Stone 4
Figure No. 2 Water Treatment Process Layout 1910 MLD Plant 10
Figure No. 3 Water Treatment Process Layout 900 MLD Plant 12
Figure No. 4 Water Inlet 14
Figure No. 5 Chlorine House 15
Figure No. 6 Pulsatube Clarifiers 16
Figure No. 7 Gravity Sand Filter 17
Figure No. 8 Aquazure V Filter 18
Figure No. 9 Chlorination Building 19
Figure No. 10 Chlorination Contact Tank 20
Figure No. 11 Sludge Recirculation Area 22
Figure No. 12 Sludge Thickener 22
Figure No. 13 Thickened Sludge Sump & Pump 22
Figure No. 14 Centrifuge Building 22
Figure No. 15 Layout of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant 24
Figure No. 16 Satellite View of Water Treatment Plant 25
Figure No. 17 Birds View of Bhandup Complex 26
Figure No. 18 Complete View of Water Filtration Plant 27
Figure No. 19 Graph Showing Percentage of Satisfaction 30
Figure No. 20 Graph Showing Short Supply 30
Figure No. 21 Sources of Water Supply Mumbai 34
Figure No. 22 Map Showing Water Sources 35
Figure No. 23 Filtration Process Flow Chart 37
Figure No. 24 Spray Aerators 39
Figure No. 25 Different Views of Clariflocculator 41
Figure No. 26 Rapid Gravity Filter 43
Figure No. 27 Chlorine Contact Chamber 44
Figure No. 28 Internal View of An MBR 45
Figure No. 29 Water Distribution System 63

2
1. INTRODUCTION

3
1.1 Introduction:
Water treatment, as a word originally means the act or process of making water more potable or
useful, as by purifying, clarifying, softening, or deodorizing it. So basically, drinking water
treatment plants are used to remove particles and organisms that lead to diseases and protect the
public’s welfare and supply pure drinking water to the environment, people, and living
organisms. In addition, they also provide drinking water that is pleasant to the senses: taste,
sight, and smell and provide safe, reliable drinking water to the communities they serve. To
provide drinking water to the public is one of the most important tasks of communities and the
design of water supply plants has to follow the rules of engineering sciences and also needs
technical knowledge and practical experience.
Heading up to our case study of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant, it is one of the biggest such
facilities in Asia operated by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation [BMC] 24/7 since it
began operations in 1980. The overall capacity of the Bhandup Treatment Plant is 1910 MLD.
The water supply to the entire city of Mumbai is received from Upper Vaitarna, Middle
Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Bhatsa river source and Treated at water
treatment plants located at Bhandup Complex, Panjarapur, Vihar, and Tulsi. There is two water
treatment plant at Bhandup Complex.
Theold plant has a treatment capacity of 1910 ML + 10% overload quantity per day. The new
Plant commissioned in 2014 has a treatment capacity of 900 ML + 10% overload quantity per
Day. This Bhandup Complex presently has a total treatment capacity of 2810 ML (1910 ml +
900ml) + 10% overload per day. This Bhandup Complex presently has a total treatment capacity
of 2810 ML (1910 ml + 900ml) + 10% overload per day. Post chlorination is done to dis-infect
and to reduce algae growth in pipelines and tanks. It is done in filter water outlets as
well as in a chlorine contact tank. The sophisticated plant here eliminates both bacteria and
viruses in the water before it is released to the city for consumption. The Bhandup plant treats the
bulk of the 3,753 million liters a day (MLD) supplied to the city. Every day, three to four tonnes
of chlorine is used to treat water. The remaining supply is purified at the smaller Panjrapur plant
in the Thane district. Bhandup Complex water treatment plant controls 70% of the city’s water
supply and was recently Awarded the ISO 9000-2001 Certification for consistent high-quality
water treatment.

4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW

5
2.1 Evolution of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant:

The city of Mumbai was originally a cluster of seven islands inhabited by fishermen. Originally
the residents drew water from wells and tanks which were, before long, inadequate for growing
needs. Search for a suitable site for impounding the monsoon runoffs was started in 1845. The
sites existed away from Island city (Mumbai) and deep into the mainland. Right from the first
day of piped water supply, importance and conveyance system bringing water by gravity have
remained the main characteristic of Mumbai’s water supply. Mumbai's British administrators not
taken seriously an agitation by the island's natives over the drinking water problem in 1845. The
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai was formed way back in the year 1865 as Mumbai’s
civic body. The M.C.G.M is variably the cradle of Local Self Government of India. It embodies
the principle of democracy of “Governance of the People, by the people, for the people.”

Figure No. 1 - Foundation Stone

6
In 1981, SUEZ (leading water company of France) completed the first drinking water filtration
plant of 1,910 MLD at Bhandup, which was then considered to be Asia’s largest facility. The
plant mainly includes 72 Aquazur V sand filters, 151 m2 each, arranged in four parallel streams.
Each stream was provided with its facilities for air-scour, backwash, and control.

Mumbai has a population of over 21 million, with around 15 million people living in the city’s
slum, where water supply can be limited to 2 hours per day. The city has an abundant supply but
the distribution system was insufficient to meet the ever-growing demand (around 3.8 million
liters a day). The system was also so old that in 2008, around 20% of water was being lost every
day through pipeline leakage. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai decided not to
repair the old pipelines. Due to accessibility difficulties, but instead, has invested in new
infrastructure, constructing new underground tunnels under Mumbai. The largest tunnel connects
Mumbai to the Bhandup water treatment plant which, on completion, will supply drinking water
to around 4 million residents, making it the largest plant in India.

Water from the Vaitarna River is carried through 35 kilometers of pipe, passing under
mountains, to the state-of-the-art plant where it is treated and made safe to drink.
When Degremont started work in 2008, it selected Viking Johnson mechanical couplings and
flange adaptors for joining plain-ended pipes, of diameters ranging from DN100 to DN2500, in
ductile iron and mild steel. The bolted, sleeve-type products were chosen because they offer a
long life expectancy with minimum or no maintenance. Viking Johnson couplings will contribute
to the sustainable investment into drinking water and wastewater in Mumbai. The water
treatment plant in Bhandup is the largest and oldest in Asia. Tansa and Vaitarna dams supply the
southern region of Mumbai, while the rest supply the suburbs. An underground tank in Malabar
Hills is used to store the water.

The water supply to the entire city of Mumbai is received from Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna,
Modak Sagar, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi lake sources, and Bhatsa river source and is treated at water
treatment plants located at Bhandup Complex, Panjarapur, Vihar, and Tulsi. Raw water supply
from 108 Upper Vaitairna, 96 Vaitairna, 72 Tansa (E), and 72 Tansa (W) water mains is received
through a 5.5-meter diameter underground tunnel from Gundavali to Bhandup Complex to Inlet

7
Bay of Bhandup Complex Treatment Plant. The Raw water thus received has to be treated and
various impurities are removed to bring characteristics of received water to potable water
standards suitable for safe human consumption.

To meet population and urban developments, MCGM awarded SUEZ another contract for the
construction of a new drinking water treatment plant of 900 MLD capacity. For this plant, SUEZ
chose to use its filtration and decantation technologies (Aquazur V and Pulsatube), which had
proven their worth around the world. Commissioned in 2014, this 900 MLD state-of-the-art plant
is a fully automated water treatment plant with recycling facilities for recirculation of filter
backwash water and desludging water from settlers by removing sludge. Today, this is a plant
with a treatment capacity of 900 ML + 10% overload quantity per day. Henceforth, this Bhandup
complex presently has total treatment capacity of 2810ML (1910ml + 900ml) + 10% overload
per day.

Bhandup water treatment plant supplies drinking water to around 4 million residents in Mumbai.
The quality of the treated water from the Bhandup complex is maintained as per BSI (British
Standards Institution) 10,500. Eventually, the well-equipped laboratory was established in the
Bhandup complex itself which now works around the clock to monitor the quality by conducting
around 624 tests per day. The Bhandup water treatment plant of MCGM is in service 24/7 to
ensure the supply of potable water to the citizens of Mumbai. Through the multifarious civic and
recreational services that it provides, the MCGM has always been committed to improving the
quality of life of Mumbai.

8
2.2 Necessities of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant (Specifically For
Mumbai) :

 With the ever-increasing developments in Mumbai, this happening city had experienced
exponential population growth. So, the appropriate amount of water supply with hygiene and
purification leads to the major necessity of the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant to the city.
 The escalating population and expansion of infrastructure usually claim for basic services
including water supply to Mumbai which is indirectly dependent on Bhandup Water
Treatment Plant.
 Also before Bhandup Water Treatment Plant came into existence, Tansa was a major source
and water supply was through pipelines that used to run along “Bombay-Agra” road. As
mentioned in history, eventually the pipelines started to get leaked which caused impurities
and a lack of water supply in some areas. With such upcoming problems, after a while, the
Bhandup Water Treatment Plant was on urge for establishment in the city also with
underground tunnels merged with it to avoid leaks.
 Water supply through pipelines leads to a bundle of problems including errors while
measuring water supply, inappropriate supply of water to the residence, unsafety towards
drinking. These all issues caused risk for citizens towards its consumption. Bhandup Water
Treatment Plant assured safety through overcoming such aspects.
 Besides this, water is also required for some projects like Mill land development, Mumbai
Urban transport project, Floor space index for slum rehabilitation, etc. Though they get
water from bore-well for such works whenever such projects arise Bhandup Water
Treatment Plant has to start additional supply in some amount.
 Overall, to bring the potability of drinking water and its safety towards consumption up to
the mark Bhandup Water Treatment Plant is today an upcoming necessity.

9
2.3 Salient Features :
 Mumbai’s water supply system is unique and complex.
 Mumbai water supply is one of the largest water supply schemes in Asia and seventh in the
world.
 Bhandup Water Treatment Plant is the largest in Asia.
 3000mm dia. tunnels used for the conveyance of water.
 Daily more than 800 numbers of valves are operated for monitoring water supply.
 The water treatment plant, with wastewater recycling.
 State-of-art technology of Pulsatube.
 Low footprint.
 Efficient three-phase treatment process.
 Extremely low water losses, less than 1.5% from the entire plant.
 Fully automatic plant with SCADA controls.
 Regulate exploitation of groundwater.
 Contains 615 leak-detection zones.
 Consumes 110 distribution zone.
 Supplies drinking water around 4 million to residents.
 It aims for the objective of zero wastewater discharge from the Bhandup water treatment
plant.

10
2.4 Overview of Treatment Plants
2.4.1 1910 MLD Water Treatment Plant
 Salient Features:
 Water Treatment capacity: 1910 MLD + 10% overload =2100 MLD
 Bhandup complex is the single largest water treatment facility at one place in the Asian
continent constructed and commissioned in the year 1980.
 Bhandup complex is spread over an area of about 365 acres.
 The blended waters comprise gravity supply from :
 Tansa
 Vaitarna
 Upper Vaitarna

 Plant Components:
 Raw Water Inlet
 Pretreator Pump House – 2 Nos
 Chemical house for PAC dosing (8 Nos. Tanks each of 113.6 M3 )
 Clari-flocculator Tanks– 20 Nos. (90 MLD each + 10% Overload)
 Gravity Sand Filters – 72 Nos. ( 25 - 30 MLD each)
 Chlorine house (Licensed capacity = 200 Tonners)
 Chlorine contact tank (82 ML)
 Pumping Station – (1910 MLD)
 Master Balancing Reservoir I (246 ML)

11
 Figure No. 2 - Water Treatment Process Layout 1910 MLD Plant

 Salient Features:
 Cost of work (including Physical Contingencies):- Rs. 321.45 Crores
 The period for the completion of work. :- 48 months
 Date of commencement: - 3rd January 2008
 Date of Commissioning: - 07 January 2014.

 Plant Components:
 Raw Water Inlet
 Raw Water Distribution chamber
 Chemical house for PAC dosing (4 Nos. Tanks each of 100 M3 )
 Pulsatube clarifiers – 6 Nos. (150 MLD each)

12
 Aquazure-V Filters – 36 Nos. (25 - 30 MLD each)
 Chlorine house (Licensed capacity = 60 Tonnes)
 Chlorine contact tank (37.5 ML)
 Sludge removal system 561 M3 /d (Consistency: – 20 % ±2%)

13
Figure No. 3 - Water Treatment Process Layout 900 MLD Plant

3. DESIGN OF BHANDUP WATER

TREATMENT PLANT

14
3.1 Constituents of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant:
3.1.1 Raw water inlet:
The water is received at Bhandup Complex through Gundavali-Kapurbawdi -Bhandup Complex
underground tunnel. The raw water from the inlet pipe enters the inlet chamber by gravity. The
inlet channel is provided with Parshall Flume with a 12 feet throat width, for flow measurement.
An ultrasonic flow meter is installed to measure the inlet flow of the plant. A temperature
transmitter is also provided to check the inlet water temperature. PAC dosing at the Parshall
flume as per Jar test report is done in Parshall Flume with the perforated submerged piping
system. The raw water from the inlet flows by gravity to the distribution chamber of Pulsatube.
The pre-chlorinated water flows through to the distribution chamber and equally distributes the
water to the clarifiers through metallic weirs. There are 6 numbers of distribution chambers, one
for each Pulsatube. The maximum flow of water in the inlet works is 990 MLD. The normal
Work Flow of inlet work is 900 MLD. The total quantity of raw water received is exposed to the
atmosphere. This water can be directed to Pretretors or Filter units depending on the quality of
raw water. The raw water quality is 2 to 5 NTU in Fair season and goes up to 25 to 40 NTU in
the monsoon

15
 Figure No. 4 - Water Inlet

Figure No.4 Chemical house for PAC dosing

 Polyaluminum Chloride is used as a coagulant in the filtration process is mixed in the
chemical building.
 PAC dose maximum 7 mg/ltr in fair season and as 35 mg/ltr during monsoon.
 There is a total of 4 PAC saturation tanks of 100 M3 each with 90 % purity.
 In the building, there are 2 PAC Service Tanks with a 10 % solution of 41.6 M .3

 The nos. of Air operated double diaphragm pumps for PAC transfer is 4 nos.
 Gravity PAC dosing at Parshall flume through constant header and control valve.
 Total System control through SCADA.

16
 Figure No. 5 - Chlorine House

3.1.3 Pulsatube Clarifiers:

The water from Distribution Chamber goes into the Pulsatube Clarifier through a pipe of 1600
mm diameter. There are six numbers of Pulsatube Clarifiers. The Pulsatube operates on the
principle of an up-flow current through a suspended sludge blanket. Pulsatube has a 7-meter
long vacuum chamber in which pulsations take place. The vacuum blower continuously sucks
the air contained in the vacuum chamber. When the water in the vacuum chamber reaches the
pre-set high level, a contact-type float switch opens a pneumatically operated vacuum break
butterfly valve. Atmospheric pressure is, therefore, immediately applied to the water stored in

17
the vacuum chamber, and water rushes into the distribution channels at high speed. As the
water level goes down, the vacuum brake valve closes and the cycle begins once more.
The sludge blanket in the lower part of the clarifier is subjected to alternating vertical motion due
to the pulsations in the chamber. The blanket gradually increases in volume and the suspended
sludge blanket flows into the sludge concentrators where they settle before being extracted
utilizing 12 no. de-sludging valves in each pulsatube. The drawn-off sludge is directed to
Clarifier SludgeSump by gravity, and from there it is sent to Sludge  Recirculation  Area  (SRA).
 Tank size is 43m X 42m With a Surface area of 1828 Sq.m.The capacity of each tank is
150 MLD . Water Depth in each tank is 5m. The flow of water is 12.5 m3/s.
 Components of Pulsatube are Concentrator, Vacuum Chamber, Clarified Water Channel,
Water Distribution Pipes, and Stilling Plates. Vacuum Blower. Sludge Extraction Valves,
Drainage Valves.
 Chlorine dosing rate in it is 1 mg/litre

Figure No. 6 - Pulsatube

Clarifiers
3.1.4 Gravity Sand Filter:
The filters installed are of rapid sand, declining rate of flow type 72 filter beds are containing a sand
depth of 0.90 meters with an effective size of sand 0.90 mm. The balance sediments or floc from the
settled water is removed in filter beds. 
 The washing cycle of each filter is 27 hrs.
 Each filter has a Backwash rate of 600 lit /sec. 
 The average Filtration rate of each filter is 300 lit/sec. 

Guarantee Quality of Filters Actual

18
 Max. Min.

Turbidity 0.4 N.T.U 0.8 to 0.9 <0.4

Suspended Solids 1.0 mg/lit 1.0 0.5

Residual alum 0.15 mg/lit. 0.08 0.02

Table No. 1 - Guarantee Quality of Filters

Figure No. 7 - Gravity Sand

Filter

3.1.5 Aquazure VFilter:

The water from clarifiers is filtered through a set of 36 filters. The type of filter is Degremont’s
Aquazur-V rapid gravity sand filters operating on the declining flow rate principle. 
 Tank size is 15m x 5m having Twin Beds of total size 150 m 2.

 The capacity of 25 - 30 MLD each.

 Its Components are Backwash Blowers, Piezometer, Air Scour System, Backwash Water
system, Butterfly Valves, Surge control system, Filter Nozzles, cross wash system.
  Flow - 11.22 m3/s.

19
  The wash water flow rate is 15 m3/m2/hr.
 The Air Scour flow rate is 55 m3/m2/hr.
The filters are divided into four streams of 9 filters each. One number of filter consoles is
provided for each filter bed. A covered central gallery for housing the individual filter consoles is
provided.  These filter consoles have individual ‘LOCAL/REMOTE’ selector switches for each
filter bed to choose the mode of operation. The consoles also show the indications for ‘START,
STOP, OPEN, CLOSE’ for respective pneumatic valves.
A head loss indicator and a pressure gauge are also provided on the console to show the clogging
and the pressure in the main header respectively.
There is 2 number of filtered water outlet pipes of 2400 mm diameter leading to the common
header which subsequently carries filtered water to the Chlorine Contact Tank (C.C.T.). One
filtered water outlet pipe is for streams A & B and the other for streams C & D.

3.1.6 Figure No. 8 - Aquazure VFilter

Chlorination Building :
In the building, there are Chlorine dosing Points where the chlorine is added in the following
dose-
1. Raw water inlet works – 0.5  mg/litre
2. Clarified water – 0.5 mg/litre.
3. Filtered water – 1 mg/litre.
4. Chlorine contact tank – 1  mg/litre.
 The storage capacity of the chlorination building is  60 tonnes.

20
  Components of it are- Motive water  Booster pumps, Chlorine  Injectors, Diffusers, 
Chlorinators, Chlorine  Analysers, Leak detectors,  Scrubber system, safety equipment’s,
EOT Cranes.


Figure No. 9 - Chlorination

Building

3.1.7 Chlorine Contact Tank:

    The Capacity of the tank is 37.5 ML.
    Tank size is 41m x 91m each, with a Liquid Depth of 5m.
    The design flow is 900 MLD.
    It is a chlorine dosing facility with a Contact time of 30 minutes.
  Components - Motorized Butterfly valves, Bleed Back System, Sampling pumps at inlet
and outlet.

21
The filtered water from streams A, B, C, & D get collected on the chlorine contact tank. Post
chlorination is done in CCT. The tank is divided into two compartments with baffle walls to
avoid short-circuiting of water to the outlet. There are motorized butterfly inlet valves of
2400mm diameter, one for each compartment. Four motorized butterfly outlet valves of 2400
mm diameter, two of each compartment are also provided. The water from the outlets flows to
the pumping station from where it is pumped to the main balancing reservoir (MBR).
The filtered water from C.C.T. enters the sump of 900MLD pumping station from where it is
pumped to the new Main Balancing Reservoir (MBR)

Figure No. 10 - Chlorine

3.1.8 Sludge RemovalContact
System:Tank
The SRA Plant (Sludge Recirculation Area) consists of the following sub-sections: 
1) Common Sludge Balancing Tank (C S B T): The sludge from Clarifier Sludge Sump and
New Sludge Collection Sump is pumped to the Common Sludge Balancing Tank. The
Common Sludge Balancing Tank is used as a sludge collection tank. 

22
2) Flocculators: The sludge from the Common Sludge Balancing Tank (C.S.B.T.) is pumped to
the flocculator tanks. There are four flocculator tanks. A detention time of 10 minutes is
provided to the sludge in the Flocculator. 
3) Sludge Thickeners: The sludge with polyelectrolyte mixed in it, is transferred to the sludge
thickener by gravity. The sludge received in the thickener is thickened to improve the
concentration of the sludge. 
4) Thickened Sludge Sump Pumping Station: The thickened sludge which gets collected in the
central hopper at the bottom of the thickener is transferred to the Thickened Sludge Sump
by gravity.
5) Centrifuge: The sludge from the Thickened Sludge Sump is pumped to the centrifuge where
the dewatering of the sludge is done. The sludge consistency at the inlet of centrifuge is
around 3.5 % to 4 % while outlet consistency is around 20 % + / - 2 %. There are 10
centrifuges used to dewater the sludge and produce sludge cakes and Central (water). The
centrate is transferred to Supernatant & Centrate Tank.
6) Supernatant & CentrateTank: The Supernatant (water) from the Thickener and the Centrate
(water) from the Centrifuge get collected at the Supernatant & Centrate Tank. Two
submersible pumps are provided to pump the Supernatant and Centrate to the inlet of the
1910 MLD water treatment plant

Figure No. 11 - Sludge Recirculation Area F

23
 Figure No. 14 - Centrifuge Building Figure No. 13 - Thickened Sludge Sump
&Pump

3.1.9 Pumping Station :

The function of the pumping station is to pump treated water to Master Balancing Reservoir and at the same
time maintaining the level difference between inlet bay water level and C.C.T water level to 2.3 meters. There
is one needle-type bleed back valve provided to put water from rising mains to C.C.T to maintain level
differences required.
There are 11 nos. of 3.3. KV, 620 KW., 246 MLD main pumps, and 3Nos. 3.3. KV, 220 KW,82 MLD.
trimmer pumps installed. Normally 8 Nos. of 246 MLD. pumps with 1 or 2 trimmer pumps (82 MLD) run
round the clock. This is the largest pump house operated and maintained by Municipal Corporation.

3.1.10 110 KV Sub Station:

The reliable electric supply is an essential feature for the operation of the Treatment Plant. The
electric supply is received at 110 KV for better reliability and is stepped down to 3.3 KV for
operating the main pumping station. It is further stepped down to 415 V for auxiliary supply.
There are 2 nos. of 12.5 MVA capacity 110 KV/3.3 KV step-down transformers out of which
one can take the full load of the plant. There are 2 nos. of 250 KVA capacity, 3.3. KV/450V
step-down transformers, out of which 1 can take the full auxiliary load. The 110 KV substations
at Bhandup Complex are connected to receive supply from either of the two sub-stations of M/s.
Tata Electric Co. for better reliability. 
Because of the above built-in reliability and regular preventive maintenance program, there is not
even a single occasion of interruption of treated water supply to the city due to the sudden

24
breakdown of equipment in the substation. There are relays provided at substations also to sense
the faults and give an alarm or isolate the equipment before any permanent damage is caused to
major equipment.

3.2 Plan and Layout of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant:

3.2.1 This picture shows the entire layout and planning of the Plant
in a detailed way.

25
 Figure No. 15 - Layout of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant

3.2.2 Zoomed in Satellite view of the entire area of the plant and its
surroundings like the Vihar Lake and Khindipada.

26
 Figure No. 16 - Satellite View of Water Treatment Plant

3.2.3 Bird’s eye view of the Bhandup Complex plant.

27
 Figure No. 17 - Birds View of Bhandup Complex

3.2.4 A complete view of the water treatment plant itself.

28
Figure No. 18 - Complete View of Water Filtration Plant

29
 4. WORKING OF BHANDUP WATER TREATMENT
PLANT

4.1 Demand and Supply

30
Mumbai - known as the financial capital of India. The city is also a powerhouse for the Indian
economy. With the ever-increasing developments, this happening cityhad experienced
exponential population growth. The escalating population and expansion of infrastructures are
claiming for the basic services and water supply. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
(MCGM) is entitled to the water supply to the city.
Water supply is the subject of heart for the city. This has also been reflected in the recently
announced budget of the MCGM. The water sector has been allocated the topmost priority, with
an expected capital outlay of nearly Rs 3,175 crore (DNA News 2010). The current population
of the city as per the White paper is 132.45 lacks. The total water supply for Mumbai is 3350
MLD (million liters per day). This includes the losses at the purification center, errors while
measuring the water supply towards the Thane and other villages (120 MLD). Excluding the
water supply to Thane city, Mumbai receives a water supply of 3230 MLD. This includes the
water supply to the bulk users, commercial enterprises, industrial use, and leakages. “Potable
water is used by Railways, BEST buses, Bombay Port Trust, and other bulk consumers.
For the year 2001, the total water demand for the city was about 3856 MLD against the supply of
3200 MLD. This means there was a shortage of 656 MLDof water. While giving this
information there is no information about, what are the criteria to decide the demand of the
water? While giving the status of demand and supply the white paper has included a column of
the percentage of satisfaction. There is no information about how MCGM has arrived at the
figures of “percentage of satisfaction”. To understand Table 1.4 showing the Demand-Supply
Scenario, here are some graphs. There is paradoxical relation between the percentage of
satisfaction and the level of short supply of water. Also, I have attempted to calculate the
availability of water in terms of litters per capita per day (LPCD). The figure is calculated by
dividing the total supply of water in the city by the population in a year.

31
 Figure No. 19 - Graph Showing Percentage of Satisfaction

Year 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021

% of satisfaction 91 68 76 78 80 83 86 100

Table No. 2 - Percentage of Satisfaction

Figure No. 20 - Graph Showing Short Supply (MLD)

Year 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021

Short Supply
107 517 547 617 688 656 680 -
(MLD)

In the above table, the industrial, commercial and people who come and go and their use of
Table No. 3 - Short Supply (MLD)
Water are not considered. The above graphs show that the short supply to the city is increasing
every year also there is Consistently decrease in the per capita availability of the water. Even in
such conditions According to the white paper, there is a persistent increase in the “percentage of
satisfaction”. At Least on the parameters of LPCD supply and Demand – Supply gap, surely
there is no satisfactory condition.

32
Water Supply Objective- To provide uninterrupted, safe & adequate water supply to the citizens
of Mumbai on a 365 x 24 x 7 basis
Present Total Water source – 4093 MLD (YIELD)
Future TOTAL Sources – 2891 MLD (YIELD)
4.1.1 Population Need With Some Future Predictions:-
As for the population need, for the current period in Mumbai daily demand for water is up to
3850 meters per day and also can proceed in the future. As the population keeps on increasing
the demand for every source including water will increase as time passes ahead. Water supplied
to the city should not only be in large amounts but also that much water should be completely
purified by the process carried out at Bhandup Water Treatment Plant. So, daily 2450 MLDof
water is filtered and further supplied to the city. Same way 3800 is supplied all over Mumbai. All
this is supplied through Vihar Lake which has its respective capacity of 400. It has been
estimated that today (in 2021) the water Mumbai will need 4,849MLDof water 2021, above the
total amount of water currently available at the source. Additionally, there are some predictions
about the need for water in the future in Mumbai city. By 2041, Mumbai’s demand for water is
estimated to go up by 71%, from the present 3,750 million liters per day (MLD) of water
supplied to the city to 6,424 MLD. By a committee of experts appointed by the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2016, which submitted its report Towards Equitable and 24x7
Water Supply for Greater Mumbai in December 2018. The panel estimated that the population of
13 million citizens of Mumbai in 2015 will shoot up to 17.24 million in 2041. The BMC plans to
meet this demand by constructing new dams, more rainwater harvesting set-ups, recycling, and
re-use of water. Ashok Tawadia, chief engineer, BMC’s hydraulic department, said, “The
upcoming Gargai Dam project, the Pinjal Dam project, and the Damanganga- Pinjal river-linking
project will add 2,891MLD to Mumbai. These projects are expected to be completed by 2028
and bring a lot of relief to Mumbai. We have estimated that as the year progresses, there will be
an increase in industrialization and commercial set-ups will use more water. The floating
population will shoot up, along with the overall population. With this, the standard of living of
the people will improve and we will need more water,” said Dr. Eldon TI, professor of water
resources, department head of civil engineering, in IIT-Bombay, who was part of the panel of
experts. Taking the base year as 2021 for its other projections, the panel also estimated that the
floating population of Mumbai will increase by 50% in 2041, from 1 million in 2021 to 1.5

33
million in 2041. This population will use 50% more water, from 50 MLD in 2021, to 75 MLD in
2041.
According to the committee, the number of people residing in non-slum or planned residential
settlements will increase by 52.39%, from 7.92 million in 2021 to 12.07 million in 2041. This is
attributed to upping the standard of living, and lots of upcoming government rehabilitation
projects of slum settlements, which will convert slums to non-slum high-rises. On the other hand,
the slum population will marginally decrease by 2.12%, from 5.28 million in 2021 to 5.17
million in 2041. The BMC supplies more water per capita to non-slum residents than to slum
residents. Presently, residential settlements get 150 liters per person per day (LPCD), and slum
settlements get 40 liters per person per day of water. After implementation of the report on
equitable and 24X7 water supply, BMC will supply 240LPCD to planned residential
development, 150LPCD to rehabilitated slums, and 45LPCD to slums.
The increase in demand for industries and commercial set-ups is pegged at 41.17%, from 850
MLD in 2021, to 1,200 MLD in 2041. “It is going to prove difficult for the city to match its
demand in 2041 if we continue to use our resources as we do now. Hence we need to augment
water resources, harvest rainwater, and recycle existing water and reuse it,” said Dr. Eldon TI.
The BMC has recently also floated tenders to appoint consultants to come up with a master plan
for reusing wastewater treated at eight treatment plants in the city. Once the plants are ready by
2025 for tertiary treatment of wastewater, Mumbai will have 496.8MLDof treated wastewater to
use for non-potable purposes. Moreover, municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi now directed
the administration to ensure implementation of the rule that all new constructions need to be set
up to harvest rainwater. It is now a mandatory clause for obtaining an occupation certificate. He
also made it mandatory for buildings to set aside 10 to 25% of their total plot for open grounds,
of which 50% should be an urban forest. This will help increase the groundwater resources of the
city.

 Water Demand -
 Present population - 13.5 Million
 Present demand – 4300 MLD
 Present Supply (gross) - 4093 MLD
 En-route supply -150 MLD

34
  Transmission constraints- 200 MLD
 Net available supply -3750 MLD
 Projected population (2041) -17.24 Million
 Projected demand (2041) -6000 MLD

4.1.2 Sources of Water-

From just 32MLD (million liters per day) from Vihar Lake in 1860 for Mumbai’s then
Population of only a 0.7million, the water supply from various schemes has now reached 3850
MLD for the city’s 13million people. Table 1 shows how the water supply to the island city was
augmented through schemes on six water sources Vihar, Tulsi, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Upper
Vaitarna, middle Vaitarna, and Bhatsa. As the population is projected to grow from 13 million to
16 million by 2021.
Future water sources have been identified in the Vaitarna River basin and Ulhās River basin that
can take the total water supply to 3850 MLD by 2021. The plan for Middle Vaitarna is at an
advanced stage and a dam will be constructed at Rs1250 crore to avail 455 MLD water. This
dam will submerge 3,473 hectares of land in the Vaitarna basin and People from eight villages
will be displaced.
Middle Vaitarna, Gargai, and Pinjal are gravity sources, whereas the Ulhās river basin sources
will need pumping water adding to the cost of 5108 hectares will be submerged, while people of
19 villages will be affected. The present water sources are Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna,
Tansa, Bhatsa, Tulsi.

35
 Figure No. 21 - Sources ofWater Supply Mumbai

Sr Yield in Distance Treatment plant

Sources Ownership
. (MLD) from city location
100 km from
1 Tansa 417 MCGM Bhandup complex
city
110 km from
2 Upper Vaitarna 1025 MCGM Bhandup complex
city
100 km from Bhandup
3 Bhatsa 1650 Gov
city complex/Panjrapur
Sub total 3220
En-route supply -120
The total supply
3100
to the city

Table No. 4 - Sources ofWater for Bhandup Water Treatment

Plant

36
 Figure No. 22 - Map Showing Water Sources
Water Schemes for Mumbai:-
1) Tansa Scheme:
Today, the four major sources of water supply to Mumbai City are Tansa, Vaitarna (Modak
Sagar), Upper Vaitarna, and Bhatsa. Tansa and Vaitarna are fully owned and constructed by
MCGM only for City’s water supply, whereas Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa are multipurpose
schemes and constructed and owned by Govt. of Maharashtra. Tansa lake is situated near
Shahapur in Thane District about 100 Km away from Mumbai City. The construction of the
Tansa dam was started in 1886 and the scheme was fully developed in four stages. The first
stage was completed in 1892. A dam of 2800 m in length and has a maximum height of about
40 m was constructed in the first stage. Also, a 42 Km long-closed duct line on the hills and 53
Km long 1200 mm dia cast iron pipeline through valleys was laid to convey 77 MLD water to
the heart of the City.
The second stage was commissioned in 1915 by an additional pipeline of 1250 mm dia and
supply was increased by 82 MLD. In the third stage height of the dam was increased by 3 m to
increase the storage and a new conveyance system of two 1800 mm dia M.S. pipelines were
laid along a shorter route and was commissioned in 1925. The supply was increased by 68
MLD. The fourth and last stage was completed in 1948. In this stage storage capacity was
increased by providing 38 nos. of floodgates of 50’ x 4’ size. The storage capacity of the dam
is 40,666 million gallons at the Full supply level i.e. 422’ THD. The total water supply from
this source is about 410 MLD.
2) Upper Vaitarna Scheme:
Govt. of Maharashtra (GOM) in the year, 1960 took up the execution of a multipurpose
scheme known as the Upper Vaitarna scheme. Under this scheme, an impoundage was created
in the upper reaches of the Vaitarna River by constructing two dams on the river Alwandi &
Vaitarna about 80 Km.U/s. of Modak Sagar. The impounded water is used to generate
electricity through a hydroelectric power station of 60 MW capacity and then it is released in
the Vaitarna River to flow down to the lower Vaitarna Lake. (Modak Sagar). This released
water is used for water supply by conveying it to the City. The GOM constructed the dam

37
while MCGM. carried out the works of laying of partly 3000 mm dia. And partly 2750 mm.
Dia. Trunk main and construction of some service reservoirs. The full supply level of the
upper Vaitarna reservoir is 1980’ MSL i.e.2060.25’ THD and the capacity is 73,125 Million
gallons. Under this scheme, a tunnel under Thane Creek was also bored to carry the entire
water supply under the creek from the security point of view. This project was fully
commissioned in the year 1972 and the water supply was increased by 540 MLD. Up to this
point, it was a unique feature of Mumbai’s water supply system that it was conveyed entirely
by gravity. The catchment area of Tansa, Vaitarna, and Upper Vaitarna was so protected that
the water hardly needs any filtration and only chlorination was done for a disinfections
purpose.
3) Bhatsa Scheme:
Despite the implementation of the aforementioned schemes, large-scale shortages in water
supply started arising towards the end of the 1960s. The rate of growth of the population
during the decades of the 1950s and 1960s was unprecedented. Therefore a Master plan was
prepared for the integrated development of water supply and sewerage facilities. This project
was titled Mumbai Water Supply and Sewerage Project. M/s. Binnie & Partner of London was
appointed as a consultant for this project. This project was implemented in three stages, with
financial assistance from IDA and World Bank. In each of these three stages, 455 MLD water
was drawn from the Bhatsa River. The government of Maharashtra constructed a
damacrossriver Bhatsa near Shahpur in Thane district and works of pumping, conveyance,
treatment, storage was carried out by MCGM.

4.2 Water Purification process of the Plant:-

38
The water is completely treated with pre-chlorination, alum-dosing, settling, filtration, andpost-
chlorinationbeforesupplying to consumers.

Figure No. 23 - Filtration Process Flow Chart

39
1. Prechlorination:
The addition of chlorine at the headworks of a treatment plant before other treatment
processes. Done mainly for disinfection and control of tastes, odors, and aquatic growths, and
to aid in coagulation andsettling,
The normal dosage of this treatment plant for pre-chlorination of wateris 30 mg/l. After giving
dosage to the water the water has flowed to the 1 km long horseshoe type formation tunnel in
which contact of chlorine with raw water takes place.
2. Supply of Raw Waters from Sources to theplant:
Raw water from different sources is brought to the plant in a 1 km long Horseshoe type tunnel
utilizing 4 water mains. Generally raw water of turbidities 40 – 45 NTU during normal flow
and 80 NTU during the rains.
The water is treated to achieve turbidity of less than 5 NTU.
After reaching the treatment plant the Raw water is divided into 2 types Inlet bays one of 3m
depth and the other of less than 3m. The water is divided into four streams/sections A, B, C &
D.
3. Aeration:
Aeration is a unit process in which air and water are brought into intimate contact. Turbulence
increases the aeration of flowing streams. In industrial processes, water flow is usually
directed countercurrent to atmospheric or forced-draft airflow. The contact time and the ratio
of air to water must be sufficient for the effective removal of the unwanted gas.
Aeration as a water treatment practice is used for the following operations:
 Carbon dioxidereduction.
 Oxidation of iron and manganese are found in many well waters(oxidation
tower).
 Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide reduction(stripping).
 Aeration is also an effective method of bacteriacontrol.

40
Types of Aerators:
Four types of aerators are in common use:
(i) Gravity aerators
(ii) Sprayaerators
(iii) Diffusers
(iv) Mechanicalaerators
The Treatment plant in Bhandup uses Gravity aerators in which a cascade type arrangement is
made for aeration.

Figure No. 24 - Spray Aerators

41
4. Feeding of Coagulant and Mixing:
Accepters extensive range of high performance organic and inorganic coagulants have been
developed to significantly enhance the coagulation of suspended solids across a range of
industrial applications involving process water treatment, wastewater, and effluent treatment.
At this treatment plant, the alum was used as a coagulant. But due to the advantages of PAC
(Poly-Aluminum Chloride) over Alum such as efficiency and dosage required, nowadays PAC
is used as a coagulant.
After pre chlorination and aeration, the water comes in mixing basing. In the mixing basin,
PAC coagulant is added and mixed in water by creating turbulence by freefall of water from
0.9 m height.
After this, the water is pumped into Clariflocculator.

5. Clariflocculator:
A Clariflocculator unit is a combination of both flocculation and clarification in a single tank.
This unit consists of concentric circular compartments. The inner compartment is the
flocculation chamber and the outer compartment is the clarifier. The chemically dosed water is
uniformly distributed over the surface of the flocculation compartment for effective utilization
of the available volume for flocculation. The specially designed flocculating paddles enhance
the flocculation of the feed solids. As heavy particles settle to the bottom, the liquid flows
radially outward and upward and the clarified liquid is discharged over a peripheral weir into
the peripheral launder. The deposited sludge is raked to the bottom near the central pocket
from which it can be easily discharged.
At this Treatment plant, the rectangular Sedimentation tank with the circular flocculation tank
in the center of it and its size is 44 m length, 44m breadth, 7.5m depth in the center, and 5.5m
depth in corners. The Clariflocculator is of 17m diameter and it consists of a sludge removal
pump and scrapers rotating on 2-3 rpm for removal of sludge. This treatment plant has 20
Clariflocculator of this size and its capacity of each one is 12.5 MLD water.
The water comes into the flocculation tank from the mixing basin. Some amount of raw water
is aided into flocculator for proper formation of floc. Then the water goes into the clarifier
(sedimentation tank) for sedimentation.
42
The detention period of the flocculator is 15 minutes and that of the clarifier is 2 hours 15
minutes. Thus the total detention time of this Clariflocculator is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The quantity of sludge formed in this process is around 3% of raw water.The process of removal
of sludge is done at night only.
The water is then passed to Rapid gravity filters for filtration.

Full

Empty Full

Night View

Night View

Figure No. 25- Different Views of Clariflocculator

43
6. Filtration:
Filtration is the most relied-on water treatment process to remove particulate material from
water. Coagulation, flocculation, and settling are used to assist the filtration process to function
more effectively. The coagulation and settling processes have become so effective that
sometimes filtration may not be necessary.
However, where filtration has been avoided, severe losses in water main carrying capacity
have occurred as the result of slime formation in the mains. Filtration is still essential. Rapid
Sand filters are used to serve the purpose of filtration in Bhandup Water Treatment Plant.
Rapid sand filters use relatively coarse sand and other granular media to remove particles and
impurities that have been trapped in a floc through the use of flocculation chemicals –
typically salts of aluminum or iron. Water and flocs flow through the filter medium under
gravity or pumped pressure and the flocculated material is trapped in the sand matrix.
Rapid sand filters must be cleaned frequently, once a day, by backwashing, which involves
reversing the direction of the water and adding compressed air. During backwashing, the bed
is fluidized and care must be taken not to wash away the media.
The process, called “BACKWASHING”, involves several steps. First, the filter is taken offline
and the water is drained down to the filter bed. Then, the air wash cycle is started which
pushes air up through the filter material causing the filter bed to appear to boil. This breaks up
the compacted filter bed and forces the accumulated particles into suspension. After the air
wash cycle stops, the backwash cycle starts with water flowing up through the filter bed. Clean
water is passed through the filter bed to wash the material and remove most of the
accumulated particles. This cycle continues at a fixed time or until the turbidity of back wash
water is below a set value. In some cases, the additional step of air/water wash
(simultaneously) is done after the air wash cycle and followed by rinse water wash. This
useless water compared to the traditional step and has higher removal efficiency which results
in a cleaner filter.
This treatment plant is having 4 stakes of rapid sand filters and each stake is consisting of 18
numbers of rapid sand filters. Thus this plant is having total 72 numbers of rapid sand filters.

44
The size of each filter is 15m x 11m and it filters around 300-liter water per second. Each filter
is having 8000 numbers of filtering nozzles and filter media of 5cm thick 4mm sand and 90cm
thick 0.8mm sand. The depth of these filters is 2.5m up to the top of filter media.

Figure No. 26 - Rapid Gravity Filter

45
7. Disinfection:
Chlorination became the accepted means of disinfection, and it is the single most
important discovery in potable water treatment. Recently, however, the concern over
disinfection by-products (DBPs) produced by chlorine has given new impetus to
investigating alternative disinfectants. Disinfection of potable water is the specialized
treatment for destruction or removal of organisms capable of causing disease; it should
not be confused with sterilization, which is the destruction or removal of all life.
Pathogens (disease-producing organisms) are present in both groundwater and surface
water supplies. These organisms, under certain conditions, are capable of surviving in
water supplies for weeks at temperatures near 21° C, and for months at colder
temperatures. Destruction or removal of these organisms is essential in providing a safe
potable water supply.
Post-chlorination is done to filtered water at the Bhandup water treatment plant is done
at CCT (Chlorine Contact Tank), where more chlorine is added to the water for
disinfection purposes and to remove pathogenic bacteria from water. The detention
period of this tank is 30 minutes.

Figure No. 27 - Chlorine contact chamber

46
8. Storage and Distribution from MBR:
The water is then pumped to the Master balancing (MBR) reservoir from which the
water is distributed under gravity type of distribution to other 26 Elevated storage
reservoirs (ESR).
In distribution reservoirs again chlorination is done for disinfection purposes in the
distribution system, this process is called “Booster Chlorination”. This time the dosage
of chlorine is around 2-3 mg per liter.
In a water treatment plant, adequacy of water treatment from the health point of view is
ensured by maintaining residual chlorine of 0.2 to 0.1 mg/l at the farthest point of a
distribution system.

Figure No. 28 - Internal View of an MBR

47
4.3 TESTS ON WATER
 Types of Tests On Water-
1) Physical examination of water
2) Chemical examination of water
3) Bacterial examination of water

1) Physical examination of water-

a) Temperature test-
 Domestic supply water temperature is 10° to 15°C of measure by an ordinary
thermometer.
 Other determining density, viscosity, vapor pressure, the surface tension of water it’s the
measure
 The temperature test has no significance because practically nothing can be done to
reduce temperature.
b) Color test-
 The maximum permissible color is 10 to 20 ppm.
 PPM – Pert Per Million or 1 ppm- 1 mg / liter
 It’s measure by platinum cobalt scale.
 Color in water may be due to the presence of fine particles in Suspension or due to
certain mineral matter in solution.
 Color in water is objectionable to consumers.
 It may stain materials.
 Color is measured with a Tintometer.
 This is an instrument with an eyepiece having two holes. A slide of Standard colored
water and the slide of water to be tested is observed through the two holes and both
compared.
 The unit of color is measured on the Platinum-cobalt scale.
 The standard Color is produced by dissolving 1 mg of platinum-cobalt in a liter of
Distilled water. The number on the scale should not exceed 20 and should be preferably
less than 10.

48
c) Turbidity test-
 The visible material in water through passing light.
 It is caused by the presence of suspended and colloidal material in water.
 Domestic purpose 5 to 10 ppm or measure by silica scale.
 Type of turbidity test-
 Turbidity tube
 Jackson’s turbidity meter
 Baylis turbidity meter
 Hellipe turbidity meter
 Low turbidity measure by Baylis turbidity meter.
 High turbidity measure by Jackson’s turbidity meter.
 Water is said to be turbid when it contains visible material in Suspension. Turbidity is
measured by the resistance of water to the Passage of light through it.
 In water, it is due to the presence of suspended inorganic matter like silt, Clay, etc. It is
expressed in ppm by the weight of suspended matter in water. The standard unit of
turbidity is that produced by 1 part of finely divided Silica in 1 million parts of distilled
water.
 Turbidity rod – it has a platinum needle. The rod is lowered into the water to be tested
and the depth at which the wire disappears is noted. The Reading gives the turbidity of
water in ppm. It also measured with, Jackson Turbidimeter and Bailey’s turbi diameter
& Nephlometer.

d) Taste and odor test-

 This may result in microorganisms either dead or alive, dissolved gases such as oxygen,
carbon monoxide, methane, etc.
 Mineral such as sodium chloride, an iron compound, etc.
 Odor test measure by 20° to 25°C apparatus use is known as osmoscope.
 Osmoscope PO value from 0 to 5.
 Tastes may also originate in the treatment process as a result of Excess chlorination or
reaction with asphaltic or bituminous coatings in the water distribution pipes.

49
  The odor of water changes with temperature and it may be classified as fishy, grassy,
earthy, vegetable Sweetish, etc.
 The odor of the water sample is tested at 20 to 25°C and “Osmoscope” is used for this
purpose.
 Odor is measured by adding a small quantity of the water to be tested at a time to 100
cc of fresh odor-free water. The quantity of water at which the odor becomes detectable
is called the “Threshold odor number'. Thus if 5 cc of water to be tested is added to 100
cc of fresh odor-free water for the odor to be detected, the threshold odor number is 5.
 For public water supply, it should not be greater than 3

PO value Meaning
0 No odor
1 Very fine odor
2 Fine odor
3 Distinct odor
4 Strong odor
5 Extremely strong odor

Table No. 5 - PO Value Table

2) Chemical examination of water-

a) Total solid –
 It causes consists of chloride, a nitrate compound of the hardness of the water.
 The domestic purpose should not exceed 500 ppm.
 Suspended solids
 Dissolved solids
 Volatile solids
 Total solids should not exceed 500 ppm & never more than 1000ppm

50
b) Hardness-
1. It causes due to present to bicarbonate, sulphate chloride, nitrate of calcium and
magnesium.
2. The total hardness of drinking water should not exceed 120 to 170ppm.
3. Find hardness by EDTA method.
4. Total hardness – 550ppm
5. Total alkaline- 200
c) pH value -
 The drinking purpose pH value is 6.5 to 8.
 PH 7 is neutral
 PH less than 7 acidic and greater than 7 is alkaline.
 This test is conducted to find the acidity or alkalinity of a sample of water.
 Alkalinity in water is caused by bicarbonates or hydroxides of sodium, potassium,
calcium, and magnesium.
 Acidity is caused by mineral acids, free carbon dioxide, sulfates of iron, and aluminum.
 When an electric charge is passed through water, it dissociates itself into positively
charged and negatively charged ions. Thus, for pure water H²O =H*+ (OH)-
 Thus when an acid is present in water, it decreases the pH value and when alkali is
present, it increases the value, The H+ ion concentration gives a measure of the
acidity or alkalinity of water.
d) Chloride content-
 Mainly substance for sodium chloride.
 Should not exceed 250ppm.
 Its presence indicates the possibility of contamination of water by Sewage.
 This is because the salt consumed in the food is excreted by the human body.
 In groundwater, sodium chloride may be present due to the soil.
 It is determined by adding silver nitrate of known concentration and Potassiumchromate
to the water to be tested.
 If chlorides are present, then a reddish color will be formed.
 The permissible limit of chlorides is 250 ppm.

51
 Nitrogen-
 The sum of total ammonia nitrogen and organic nitrogen is called Kjedohl nitrogen.
 It’s not been more than 0.15 ppm.
 It present in water in the following form
 Free ammonia- Decomposition of nitrogenous organic matter. The quantity of ammonia
should not be greater than 0.15 ppm
 Nitrites – Oxidation of ammonia. It should not be present in water
 Nitrates – should not exceed 45mg/l. If it’s more than 50ppm, leads to Disease called
methemoglobinemia among infants fed on artificial Food mixed with this water.
 The presence of these substances in water indicates organic Contamination

 Some other important compound-

 Iron and manganese-0. 3ppm
 Arsenic and lead -0.05 ppm
 Copper- 3ppm
 Fluoride- 1.5ppm
 Cadmium-0. 003 ppm
 Phenolic compound- 0.001ppm

52
3) Bacterial examination of water-
a) MPN test
b) Confirmed test
c) Complete test

1) Presumptive test and MPN-

 It is a screening test to sample water for the presence of Coliform Organism.
 The presumptive test is also designed to estimate the concentration of coliform
organisms, called the most probable number (MPN) in the water sample.

2) The confirmed test-

 Is a second screening procedure in which a gram-negative selective medium is used
(like EMB)

3) The complete test-

 Is performed on a typical, well-isolated colony to reaffirm gas production in lactose, and
to determine the morphology and gram reaction of the isolate from a nutrient agar slant.

53
4.4 Distribution

 The time required for the distribution of water is 2 to 2:30 hours to the entire Mumbai.
 Water supply through MBR. The distribution network has been laid and upgraded over the
past 136 years or so.
 The distribution system includes the 28 service reservoirs and allied piping systems for
inlets and outlets feeding 110 water supply zones.
 Water mains amounting to approximately 4,000 km in length, range in diameter from 80 mm
to 1,800 mm. Water mains have are either cast iron (CI), mild steel (MS), or ductile iron
(DI), some of which have an internal lining. The MS pipes are externally protected by either
concrete or other proprietary coatings.
 The treated water is stored in the Master Balancing Reservoirs (MBR) located near the
treatment plants at Bhandup Complex (in Mumbai) and Yewai (in Thane)
 It is further distributed to 28 service reservoirs located throughout the city with 450 km of a
supply network. These pipelines contain water 24/7 to eliminate contamination due to
groundwater or/and sewage water intrusion.
 There are 24 wards in Mumbai, water supplies MBR through wards.
 For Borivali, Kandivali, Malad etc. Water supplies through the tunnel, through MBR from
the Bhandup water treatment plant.
 The water reaches the underground tanks of your building and is then pumped to the
overhead tank on the terrace, and then, finally reaches your tap.

54
Figure No. 23 Drinking water distribution system

Figure No. 29 - Water Distribution System

55
Wards In Mumbai-

56
 Figure No. 30 - Map Showing Wards in Mumbai

In Mumbai, there are 24 administrative wards under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

(BMC)-
Sr. No. Name of Ward Address

57
 1 A Churchgate, Colaba, and Navy Nagar
2 B Masjid Bunder, Mohd. Ali Road, Dongri and Bhendi Bazar
3 C Pydhonie and Bhuleshwar
4 D Grant Road, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Breach Candy to Haji Ali
5 E Byculla, Madanpura, Agripada, Nagpada, Dockyard Road, Reay
Road, Chichpokli
6 F North Matunga, Sion, Wadala, Hindu colony
7 F South Parel
8 G North Dharavi, Mahim and Dadar
9 G South Worli and Prabhadevi
10 H East Bandra East, Khar East and Santacruz East
11 H West Bandra West, Khar West, Santacruz West
12 K East Andheri East, Jogeshwari East, and Vile Parle East
13 K West Andheri West, Jogeshwari West, and Vile Parle West
14 L Sakinaka, Chandivali, Asalpha, and Kurla
15 M East Mankhurd, Anushakti Nagar, Deonar, Cheetah Camp, Shivaji
Nagar
16 M West Chembur, Sindhi Society, Chheda Nagar, and Tilak Nagar
17 N Ghatkopar, Vidyavihar and Pant Nagar
18 P North Malad, Manori, Marve, Aksa, and madh
19 P South Goregaon
20 R Central Borivali
21 R North Dahisar
22 R South Kandivali and Charkop
23 S Bhandup, Powai, Kanjurmarh, Vikhroli and Nahur
24 T Mulund

Table No. 6 - Wards in Mumbai

The supply from each reservoir is continuously monitored by the three local control stations
located in the island city, Eastern suburb, and Western suburb. The Controls also record
consumer complaints and coordinate the supply during modification and maintenance activities.

58
The Reservoir outlets are installed with Flow monitoring devices with a GPRS communication
system with local controls. Flow Meters are also being installed in the field at entry points of
zones. These devices will facilitate the measurement of water supply in each ward and each
water supply zone.
The water distribution network for each of the zone is analyzed on a computer and a master plan
for laying additional water mains required for the 2021 stage of development is prepared. During
this analysis, it has become evident that there will be a paucity of underground space for laying
water mains under roads, busy traffic corridors and as such many underground Tunnels are
proposed many of them are
Constructed, a few are in progress, and a few under feasibility study.

4.5 Sludge Recirculation Area

S.R.A. Plant

59
Process of all Sub-sections :

 Common Sludge balancing tank (CSBT): Sludge from clarifier sludge sump and new sludge
collection sump is pumped to the common sludge balancing tank. The common sludge
balancing tank is used as a sludge collection tank.
 Flocculators: The sludge from the common sludge balancing tank is pumped to the
flocculation tanks. There are four flocculation tanks. Detention of 10 minutes is provided to
the sludge in the flocculator.
 Sludge Thickeners: The sludge with polyelectrolyte mixed in it, is transferred to the sludge
thickener by gravity. The sludge received in the thickener is thickened to improve the
concentration of the sludge.
 Thickened Sludge Sump And Pumping Station: The thickened sludge which gets collected
in the central hopper at the bottom of the thickener is transferred to the thickened sludge
sump by gravity.
 Centrifuge: The sludge from the thickened sludge sump is pumped to the centrifuge where
the dewatering of sludge is done. The sludge consistency at the inlet of the centrifuge is
around 3.5 % to 4 % while outlet consistency is around 20 % +/- 2 %. There are 10
centrifuges used to dewater the sludge and produce sludge cakes and centrate (water). The
centrate is transferred to the supernatant and centrate tank.
 Supernatant and Centrate Tank: The supernatant (water) from the thickener and the centrate
(water) from the centrifuge get collected at the supernatant and centrate tank. Two no. of
submersible pumps are provided to pump the supernatant and centrate to the inlet of the
1910 MLD water treatment plant.

60
 5. OPERATING COST

5.1 Major Statistics pertaining to Bhandup Complex

In the below table we are going to study the cost and budget of the work.

61
 Description Cost/ No’s
Total staff strength 587 No's
Capital expenditure budget Rs 1956374147.30/-
Revenue expenditure budget Rs 690529832.67/-
The annual cost of Power Rs 409148585/-
The annual cost of chlorine Rs 17077703.45/-
The annual cost of PAC Rs 95827005.45/-
Salaries Rs 264815500/-
Cost of Power/ML Rs 461.35/-
Residual chlorine in MBR 1.5 to 1.8 PP

5.2 Water Supply Charges Ta

In the below table we are going to study about the category and the cost of water

Sr. No. Category Cost (Rs 1000 per litre)

1 Slums 2.25
2 Residential building/Row house 3.50
3 Dispensaries, Hospitals, Maternity Homes 10.50
4 Commercial Establishments, BEST 18.00
5 Industries, Railways, BARC 25.00
6 Bulk Consumers, Star Hotels, Race Course 38.00

Table No. 8 - Water Supply Charges

5.3 Water Production Cost

In the below table we are going to study the production cost (Rs.1000 Ltr).

62
 Sr. No. Description Cost (Rs. Per 1000 Ltr.)
1 Employee 1.95
2 Utility Services 1.55
3 Depreciation & Asset replacement 1.10
4 Repairs & maintenance 0.30
5 Interest, Equity payments etc. 0.50
6 Admin. & general Expenditure 0.60
7 Payments to Govt. & Pvt. Parties 0.60
8 Provision for RDD 0.60
9 Contingent Fund 0.11
Total 7.31

Table No. 9 -Water Production Cost

5.4Current Set up of Staff

In the below table the number of staff in the treatment plant is given:
Sr. No. Set up- Staff Numbers
1 Hydraulic Engineer 1
2 Dy. Hydraulic Engineer 20
3 Ex. Engineer 24
4 Asst. Engineer 86
5 Sub Engineer 235
6 Jr. Engineer 129
7 Superior 1628
8 office Staff 1144
9 Labourer 6831
** Expression is
Total Staff
faulty **
Table No. 10 - Staff Set up

63
 6. MAINTENANCE

6.1-Overview
Operation and maintenance of these large capacity water treatment plants of Metropolitan towns
and where operation and maintenance are being done by Private Organizations are satisfactory.

64
However, Operation and maintenance conditions in some of the water treatment plants operated
by Public Health Engineering Departments and Municipalities are quite unsatisfactory.
Repair of equipment is not done timely for Lack of funds and interest. In the same state, some of
the water treatment plants are excellent from a Maintenance data-keeping point of view whereas
the conditions of some of the water treatment plants are rather bad. Interaction between several
towns of the same state should be established so that all the water treatment plants function well.
Knowledge of the formation of Trihalomethanes (THMs) due to chlorination of Organic matter
in water appeared to be absent in many instances. Many water treatment plants did not have the
post of chemist which is a must for all water Treatment plants irrespective of their capacity.
Poor maintenance of the water treatment facility can have serious implications for the
performance.
Poor maintenance can result in increased costs, serious damage to systems, and financial losses
to the clients.

1. It is important to have continual maintenance processes in the water purification systems

because:

2. The preventative maintenance schedule for changing the pre-filtration cartridges and
bags helps prolong the life of the membranes within the system

3. .It reduces the scaling and fouling of the membrane.

4. .Money is saved because of reduction in downtime of units because leaks are found and
repaired faster

5. Clients can predict trends in inflow and pressure and pure water quality to enable the
best results through keeping detailed maintenance records

6. The unit stays in good condition giving the best results for the longest time

6.1.1Preventive Maintenance
The following preventive maintenance procedures are necessary for satisfactory operation of the
sedimentation facility:
 Cleaning of basins annually to remove any accumulated sludge and Algae growth
 Lubrication of the sludge collection equipment as recommended by the Manufacturer

65
  Testing the sludge collection overload devices annually.
 Testing the solids content in the sludge withdrawal line daily.
 Turbidity of effluent may be checked on a regular basis and whenever the water quality
or flow rate changes.

6.2 Quality Control

6.2.1 - Overview
Mumbai city and suburban areas are being supplied with 3850 million liters of water on a daily
basis. This Water is drawn from various lakes as well as river sources. Out of above 3850 MLD
water, 2500 MLD is Treated at Bhandup Complex and is supplied to city and western suburban
wards.
Water is brought to Bhandup Complex by gravity mains originating from Tansa/ Vaitarna/ Upper
Vaitarna Lakes. This water is prechlorinated at Yewai upstream of the Bhandup Complex.
Water received at Bhandup Complex is then treated using conventional treatment methods such
as Pre-treatment, filtration, post chlorination and is then distributed through Master Balancing
Reservoir (MBR) to consumers.
During all these activities, water samples at each stage of treatment are collected and tested for
various Parameters.
The Laboratory at Bhandup Complex was commissioned in the year 1980 is working round The
clock for this purpose and the quality of final water leaving the Bhandup complex is always
maintained Within prescribed limits as per drinking water standards BIS 10500:2012 for
drinking water.

6.2.2 - Steps in Quality Control

1. For monitoring the quality of raw and treated water, laboratories Equipped with modern
equipment have been set up at the treatment Plants.
2. Central laboratory to monitor the water quality of Samples collected from different parts
of the city.

66
 3. These laboratories monitor the physical, chemical, and Bacteriological parameters
continuously.
4. WHO Standards, 1200 samples per month (1 sample per month for 10000 population). At
present, about 4000 samples per month are collected from various Reservoirs and
sampling points by Water and Health Department in the Distribution system for analysis
and monitoring.
5. The Municipal Analyst independently collects the water samples during supply hours
from the pre-determined sample points, intending to check up the bacteriological
mounting and residual chlorine.
6. Samples are not collected from elite localities but also stand posts, provided in the slum
colonies.
7. Intimation of unfit sample is immediately conveyed to Water Department. On receipt of
the unfit sample report, the complete area is surveyed during the supply hours and any
leakages on the water mains or the connections are located and repaired immediately,
fresh samples are then taken and tested. The procedure is continued, till such time, the
water sample is found fit for human consumption.
8. In case of a reported large number of cases of water-bound diseases like Cholera or
Jaundice, the water mains are flushed through the fire hydrants and the sampling process
is continued till such time, the water is found fit for human consumption.
9. Use of mobile chlorinators in the area affected by Water-borne disease.
10. Quality improvement (in terms of longer hours of water supply) & Quantity improvement
(in terms of water distribution).
11. At present Bhandup Water Treatment Plant collects over 624 tests on the water every
day.

6.3 - Water Quality Monitoring

 For monitoring the quality of raw and treated water, laboratories equipped with modern
equipment have been set up at the treatment Plants.
 These laboratories monitor the physical,chemical, and Bacteriological parameters
continuously.

67
 The drinking water parameters as per Indian Standard IS10500:1991 and the quality of
Mumbai treated water are tabulated as under-

DRINKING WATER STANDARDS

68
 As per BUREAU of INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS 10500: 1991)
Sr. Substance or Characteristic Requirement Permissible Limit in the
No ( Desirable absence of Alternate
Limit ) source
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS
1. Colour Hazen units, Max 5 25
2. Odour Unobjectionable Unobjectionable
3. Taste Agreeable Agreeable
4. Turbidity NTU, Max 5 10
5. pH Value 6.5 to 8.5 No Relaxation
6. Total Hardness (as CaCo3) mg/lit., Max 300 600
7. Iron (as Fe) mg/I, Max 0.3 1.0
8. Chlorides (as Cl} mg/I, Max. 250 1000
9. Residual free chlorine mg/I, Min 0.2 -
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
10 Dissolved solids mg/I,Max 500 2000
11 Calcium (as Ca) mg/I, Ma 75 200
12 Copper (as cu) mg/I,Max 0.05 1.5
13 Manganese (as Mn} mg/I,Max 0.1 0.3
14 Sulfate (as 504) mg/I, Max 200 400
15 Nitrate (as N01) mg/I, Max 45 100
16 Fluoride (as F) mg/I, Max 1.9 1.5
Phenolic Compounds (as C6H50H)
17 0.001 0.002
mg/I
18 Mercury (as Hg) mg/I, Max 0.001 No Relaxation
19 Cadmiun (as Cd} mg/I, Max 0.01 No Relaxation
20 Selenium (as Se) mg/I, Max 0.01 No Relaxation
21 Arsenic (as As) mg/I, Max 0.05 No Relaxation
22 Cyanide (as CN) mg/I, Max 0.05 No Relaxation
23 Lead (as Pb) mg/I,Max 0.05 No Relaxation
24 Zinc (as Zn) mg/I,Max 5 15

Figure No. 31 - Drinking Water Standards

69
 7. SCADA

 Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)

70
A supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system equipped with V-SAT
communication mode are created for continuous monitoring of the flow and pressures from
source to WTP and MBR to various service reservoirs with Master Control at Bhandup
Complex. The master Control Center located at Bhandup Complex regulates the available water
supply from different sources and ensures the uniform supply from WTP throughout the year. In
addition, the MCC also monitors the inputs and outputs at the filtration plants and monitors the
flow from the MBR to the service reservoirs to maintain the allocated duty of each service
reservoir.
The supply from each reservoir is continuously monitored by the three local control stations
located in the island city, Eastern suburb, and Western suburb. The Controls also record
consumer complaints and coordinate the supply during modification and maintenance activities.
The Reservoir outlets are installed with Flow monitoring devices with GPRS (General Packet
Radio Service) communication system with local controls. Flow Meters are also being installed
in the field at entry points of zones. These devices will facilitate the measurement of water
supply in each ward and each water supply zone. The water distribution network for each of the
zone is analyzed on a computer and a master plan for laying additional water mains required for
the 2021 stage of development is prepared. During this analysis, it has become evident that there
will be a paucity of underground space for laying water mains under roads, busy traffic corridors
and as such many underground Tunnels are proposed many of them are constructed, few are in
progress, and a few under feasibility study.
There are three sub-control centers located at Ghatkopar, Vile-Parle, and Malabar Hill.

71
Figure No. 32 - MASTER CONTROL CENTRE AT BHANDUP
WTP EQUIPPED

Figure No. 33 SCADA Monitoring

72
8.PROBLEM FACED BY BHANDUP WATER
TREATMENT PLANT

73
1. Probability of Aluminum Toxicity from Bhandup ComplexWater
Treatment Plant-

Alum has been used as a coagulant in the treatment process for the past 27 years. The
backwashed water from the plant is released into Vihar Lake, which carries a significant amount
of suspended matter. Therefore, a layer of sludge was deposited on the meeting point of
backwashed water and Vihar Lake.
The status of aluminum (Al) concentration in sludge deposits, banks, water, and sediment
samples of Vihar Lake and its comparison with Al concentration of soil in the area surrounding
the plant is presented in this paper. The assessment of soil samples collected from the banks of
Vihar Lake, water sediment samples, and samples of sludge deposit at the Meeting point of
backwashed water and Vihar Lake showed a higher amount of Al concentration compared
withthe surrounding Soil of the Bhandup water treatment plant. This was mainly attributable to
the use of alum in the water treatment process and also the release of waterworks waste into
Vihar Lake.
The backwashed water from the Bhandup water treatment plant accumulated as a sludge deposit,
which had also leached into the water-sediment of Vihar Lake. This deposited Al could have a
direct adverse impact on the flora and fauna of Vihar Lake. The water from Vihar Lake is used
for drinking purposes, and hence, an indirect impact of Al on human health could be possible if
appropriate measures are not taken.
Thus, measures must be taken to remove the sludge deposits of Vihar Lake and safely deposit
them at different locations where the detrimental effect of Al would be minimized. These water
treatment sludge deposits must be treated and disposed of at different locations according to the
guidelines given by USEPA (1996). Although Al was not present in toxic form as the pH of the
sample was under neutral condition, if the pH falls below 5.5, this Al could become soluble and
could have an adverse effect on plants and human health.

Therefore, these sludge deposits must be excavated and deposited at another location where
harmful impacts could be minimized. Thus, this study provided details of probable adverse

74
effects from backwashed water (waterworks sludge) on flora, fauna, and human beings.
Immediate action must be taken to prevent such adverse effects soon as discussed in this study.

There are occasions of pipe bursts or power failure when the water supply is interrupted. But in
all cases, the water supply is restored in the shortest possible time, which rarely exceeds 12-
hours in case of a major burst. This year 272 Nos. of leakages & 60 Nos. of bursts were detected
& repaired on water mains of 600 mm diameter & above. Also this year 28,720 Nos. of visible
leakages were detected &28,684 Nos. of leakages were repaired. The water supply to the city
depends on rainfall during the monsoon and as such water cuts of 10% to 15% are required to be
imposed in case of bad monsoon or delayed monsoon. Some of the industries and commercial
establishments (e.g. RCF & Railways) recycle used water and reuse the same for non-potable
purposes.

2. Electricity supply-
It is necessary to have a proper and working electricity supply for a water treatment plant. In
some circumstances, Bhandup Water Treatment Plant has faced a shortage of electricity supply.
This caused an immense scarcity of water in the whole city.
However, with the development of new technologies, it has been easy to take over such problems
of electricity. Using generators has helped the plant to give some extra amount of electric supply
but has not been sufficient enough. The reason being it can stop working at a point and the
batteries might die as well. A few years ago Bhandup Water Treatment Plant has overcome such
problems by using solar panels. Solar panels being a one-time investment is easy and the most
efficient way to generate electricity nowadays.

75
8. FUTURE SOURCES OF WATER

76
 Future Sources :
The Middle Vaitarna project is completed and the total 455 MLD water is made available in the
year 2014, which is of the full capacity of the dam. Further, five sub-projects of the Middle
Vaitarna Project have also been completed and hence Mumbai City & Suburbs receives an
additional 455 MLDof water supply since 2014.
The gap between demand and supply for the year 2041 is 2840 MLD. To meet the gap and to
increase the water supply to Mumbai City and Suburbs, it is proposed to undertake the
development of the following sources for augmenting the water supply of Mumbai.
Gargai project is expected to start by end of this financial year 2019-20 and is expected to be
completed by 2023-2024.
Pinjal project consists of the construction of the dam across Pinjal River, 64 km long tunnel for
water, conveyance system and allied works like water treatment plant, master balancing
reservoir, pumping station, etc. The work of preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of
Pinjal Project has been entrusted to M/s. WAPCOS Ltd. by Water Resources Department (WRD)
of Government of Maharashtra (GoM). Meanwhile, MCGM has started the tendering procedure
for the Appointment of ‘Consultancy Services for obtaining Environmental, National Board of
Wildlife, Forest clearances from Competent Authorities including social and environmental,
National Board of impact assessment studies and enumeration of trees for Pinjal Project.
Under the ‘River Linking Programme’ initiated by the Government of India, it is proposed to
link Damanganga and Pinjal rivers, and thereby 1586 MLD water would be made available to
MCGM and this water will be conveyed into Pinjal reservoir after its completion.
Sources Yieldin MLD Ownership Expected year of completion
Gargai 440 MCGM 2024
Pinjal 865 MCGM 2027
Damanganga-
To be decided by
Pinjal river link 1586 GoI/GoM/GoG
GoI/GoM/GoG
project
Total 2891

Table No. 11 - Future Sources of Water

77
Gargai project (440 MLD):
Gargai project consists of the construction of the dam across Gargai River and construction of a
2.1 Km long tunnel to convey water from Gargai dam to Modaksagar reservoir. Vetting of
Hydrological studies is completed and vetting of design component of DPR is in progress by
Central Design Organisation (CDO), Nashik. CWC approval to the Hydrology of Gargai project
has already been finalized by M/s. Central Water and Power Research center (CWPRS), Pune,
and the study report are expected shortly. Proposal for Wild Life, Forest, and Environmental
Clearance has been submitted to the respective authority, and follow-up action is in progress. R
and R plan as per RFCTLARR, 2013 Act has been finalized. The formation of a special land
acquisition cell for the acquisition of Private Land is being moved.
Gargai waters will be conveyed to Modaksagar through the proposed 2.1 km long tunnel, then to
City through the existing conveyance system after being treated, pumped, and stored in the
proposed Water Treatment Plant, Pumping station & MBR at Bhandup Complex.
Gargai dam project is expected to be completed by 2023-24.

Pinjal project (865 MLD):

MCGM will undertake the Pinjal project which consists of the construction of the dam across
Pinjal River, 64 Km. long water tunnel as conveyance system and allied works like Water
treatment plant, Master balancing reservoir, pumping station, etc. The work of preparation of
Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Pinjal project was entrusted to M/s. WAPCOS Ltd. by Water
Resource Department (WRD) of Government of Maharashtra (GoM). There has been no further
progress on the work of DPR preparation hence, MCGM will complete the DPR on its own.
Meanwhile

MCGM has started tendering procedure for Appointment of ‘Consultancy Service for obtaining
Environmental, Forest/ National Board of Wildlife clearances from Competent Authorities
including social and environmental impact assessment studies and enumeration of trees for Pinjal
Project’.
The headworks will be constructed by MCGM. Further MCGM will convey Pinjal waters up to
Gundovali through the proposed 64 km long tunnel and then further conveyed up to Bhandup
complex by ongoing 14Km Gundovali-Bhandup tunnel. This water will be treated, pumped,

78
stored in the proposed Treatment Plant, Pumping Station & MBR respectively, in Bhandup
Complex. Pinjal Dam Project is expected to be commenced by 2021-22 and will be completed by
2026-27.
Damanganga Pinjal River link project (1586 MLD):
The project comprises the construction of dams at Bhugad and Khargihill and 2 nos. of the
tunnel for diverting additional 1586 MLD Damanganga waters into the Pinjal dam reservoir.
This project will be implemented by the Government of India (GoI). Central Water Commission
(CWC)’s approvals to DPR have been received. Proposal for MoTA clearance has been
submitted and as suggested by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, preparation of revised R & R plan
as per RFCTLARR Act 2013 is in progress by NWDA. Further modalities of water sharing and
project execution will be decided by the WRD, GoM in coordination with GoI, GoM,
Government of Gujrat (GoG).
The Pinjal dam will be constructed by MCGM. Further MCGM will convey Pinjal waters, along
with 1586 MLD water diverted from Damanganga, through proposed 64 km long tunnel up to
Gundovali and further convey up to Bhandup complex, through ongoing Gundovali-Bhandup
tunnel, where this water will be treated, pumped, stored in the proposed Treatment Plant,
Pumping Station & MBR at Bhandup Complex.

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10. SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDIES

80
 SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDIES 
As we know Asia's largest water treatment plant lies in Mumbai so we planned to study it and
see how our water comes from the water resources to our tap through the purification process.

Our studies haven’t deviated from its initial objective that is the ‘case study of the Bhandup
water treatment plant the idea behind our project was to study and suggest some ways to improve
Asia's largest water treatment plant that is Bhandup water treatment plant for the future needs.

10.1 Limitation of The Study 

 In this pandemic visiting the Bhandup, water treatment Plant was impossible due to which
we didn't get to experience how it works? What is the system for filtration? How do the
workers work there? 
 Haven’t been able to talk with any worker at the plant and not visiting it has been a
disadvantage to us and our project.
 We are unable to give any future suggestions for the plant as we don’t have any idea of the
problems faced by it. 

10.2 Future Scopes 

 As drinking water is the basic need of man, water treatment plants will serve mankind, and
is Asia's largest water treatment plant Bhandup water treatment plant will grow more in the
future due to Mumbai's rising population and its water demand
 Bhandup complex is also adding more water schemes to match the demand of Mumbai so
future upgrades and new technologies are must to speed up the water treatment process and
the quality of water.

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10.3 SUGGESTIONS
 Do visit the plant which we missed due to pandemic and Experience how the water gets
treated in the Bhandup complex.
 Interact with the staff to find out the problem faced by the plant. Analyze the problems and
find the solutions to improve the treatment plant.
 Visit both the 1910 MLD and 900 MLD plants and compare them.
 Prepare a questionnaire and take an interview with the chief engineer of the Bhandup water
treatment plant to acquire more and technical information.
 Study the new technologies available in the world for the treatment of water which can be
used in the Bhandup complex.
 Compare the Bhandup water treatment plant to America’s largest water treatment plant and
find out in which aspects we lack or prosper.

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11.CONCLUSION

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 CONCLUSION
So we can hereby conclude that Water Treatment Plant carries paramount importance in these
days also was the need of history and will forever be the necessity of future. In the considerations
of Bhandup Water Treatment Plant, in words, we can sum up that Bhandup Water Treatment
Plant is the oldest and largest in India also can say in Asia. This plant supplies water to around
4 million residents. The filtration plant varies with the identity of two different capacities that is
1910 and 900 MLD. The Bhandup Water Treatment Plant consists of 2 Pre-treators Pump
House, 20 Clarifiers, 36 Aquazure-V-Filters, and a few more such equipment/components
respectively.
Water received at Bhandup Complex is then treated using conventional treatment methods such
as Pre-treatment, filtration, post chlorination and is then distributed through Master Balancing
Reservoir (MBR). During all these activities, water samples at each stage of treatment are
collected and tested for various parameters for quality laboratories with modern equipment have
been set up at the treatment Plants as per drinking water standards BIS 10500:2012 for drinking
water. The Bhandup Water Treatment Plant collects over 624 tests on the water every day.
To examine the quality of water various types of tests are performed on the water to maintain its
color, taste, temperature, pH, chlorine content, and all in the proper range. After the treatment of
water quality of drinking water improves. After improving the quality of water through the
number of tests it is distributed to the entire Mumbai through MBR to 24 administrative
wards.
To increase the water supply there are several projects ofBhandup Water Treatment Plant like
Gargai, Pinjal, Daman Ganga, etc. During the study, we also came across some problems
regarding Bhandup Water Treatment Plant. Such as Bhandup Water Treatment Plant has faced a
shortage of electricity supply. This caused an emersed scarcity of water in the whole city.It is
necessary to have a proper and working electricity supply for a water treatment plant. There are
occasions of pipe bursts or power failure when the water supply is interrupted. Also, the plant is
working to overcome such problems. Additionally, it was good to study that water supply from
these sources will be available up to Bhandup by Gravity. The very special and unique quality of
this plant is that the overall plant runs on the objective of zero wastewater discharge. The
Mumbai city will be facilitated with a few more improvements and additions to Bhandup Water
Treatment Plant by MCGM.

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12.REFERENCES

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