The Delhi government is set to restructure the water supply system by dividing the city into eight zones, each managed by a single private operator under the supervision of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

This “one zone, one operator” model—similar to the functioning of power distribution companies—is aimed at reducing Delhi’s high non-revenue water (NRW) losses, currently at 50-52 percent, and streamlining water and sewage services. Each operator will oversee water supply, sewer management, billing, and infrastructure maintenance in their respective zones. These zones will be based on hydraulic regions such as Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Haiderpur.

DJB, which treats and supplies water to 21.5 million residents through its 15,600-km network, plans to replace 2,800 km of aging pipelines to curb water loss. In its latest board meeting, DJB approved the revival of the Wazirabad supply network, aimed at improving service for 3.16 million residents. Similar reforms will follow in other zones. With only 2.9 million active water connections and outdated billing systems, the initiative is a major step toward 24x7 water access and improved accountability.