Wastewater treatment standards in India are becoming stricter. For all institutions, the focus has shifted from simply having a Sewage Treatment Plant to ensuring that the treated water consistently meets regulatory limits. Understanding PCB norms is now essential for Resident Welfare Associations, commercial establishments, and institutions.
Who Sets These Norms
Wastewater treatment standards in India are issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.
State Pollution Control Boards implement these standards and may apply stricter limits based on local conditions. CPCB norms act as the national baseline.
CPCB Norms for Treated Sewage Discharge
When treated wastewater is discharged into inland surface water bodies, the following limits apply:
| Parameter | CPCB Limit |
| pH | 6.5 to 8.5 |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | ≤ 10 mg/L |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | ≤ 50 mg/L |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | ≤ 20 mg/L |
| Oil and Grease | ≤ 5 mg/L |
| Ammonical Nitrogen | ≤ 5 mg/L |
| Total Nitrogen | ≤ 10 mg/L |
| Fecal Coliform | ≤ 230 MPN |
These norms apply to residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use STPs.
Operational Expectations from CPCB
In addition to water quality limits, CPCB expects:
• 100 percent sewage to be treated
• No discharge of untreated sewage
• Regular testing through NABL-accredited laboratories
• Proper maintenance of test records
• Online monitoring systems for larger STPs
Norms for Treated Water Reuse
For reuse in flushing, gardening, or cooling, commonly followed limits include:
| Parameter | Typical Reuse Limit |
| BOD | ≤ 10 mg/L |
| TSS | ≤ 10 mg/L |
| Fecal Coliform | ≤ 100 MPN per 100 ml |
| Turbidity | ≤ 5 NTU |
What This Means for Asset Owners
Having an STP installed is no longer enough. Plants must perform consistently and meet norms every day. Poor operation, irregular testing, or bypassing treatment can lead to notices and penalties.
This highlights the importance of reliable operations, monitoring, and accountability. This shift toward performance-led wastewater management is increasingly being adopted across the sector, including by Megaliter Varunaa, where the focus is on consistent performance and regulatory compliance rather than one-time installation.
Key Takeaway
PCB norms exist to protect water bodies and public health. Meeting them consistently requires more than infrastructure. It requires systems that work daily, not just during inspections.
Understanding these norms is the first step toward responsible and compliant wastewater management.
