Delhi’s Poor Forced to Spend 15% of Income on Water: Greenpeace Audit Reveals Stark Inequality

A rapid water audit by Greenpeace India was conducted across 500 households in 12 informal settlements in Delhi. It reveals that 34% of low-income families are spending up to 15% of their income on drinking water. These families earn ₹6,000–₹10,000 per month.

That translates to approximately ₹500 to ₹1,500 monthly—a heavy financial burden for those living on tight budgets.

The report emphasizes the misalignment between water demand and supply. About 37% of households require 20–25 litres of water per day. Yet, only 28% receive that amount. They only receive it when they pay for it.

Also read: PM Modi announces 10 Promises for Delhi’s Future

Dearth Demand, Low Supply, Harsh Realities

Various sources highlight the sources of water reliance among these communities. 34% purchase from private shops or vendors. 29% depend on Delhi Jal Board (DJB) tankers. 21% use Water ATMs. 14% rely on submersible (underground) connections. 2% borrow water from neighbours.

Shockingly, despite a government promise in April 2025 to deploy 3,000 Water ATMs, only 20 were installed by June. None were located in the surveyed informal settlements. Even where available, many report malfunctioning systems and irregular service, with promised “free” 20 litres often not delivered.

Basic Necessities are Impacted

This isn’t just a logistical shortfall, it’s a growing humanitarian issue. 70% of respondents reported impacts on their grocery budgets. Additionally, 14% noted declines in healthcare access. Furthermore, 8% said their children’s education suffered due to additional cost of water. Long queues and frequent shortages mean that 38% of people lost work hours or were late to jobs. Informal workers and women bear the brunt. They are without social safety nets to cushion the blow.

Desperate households describe painful choices: “We choose between water and food, or delay school fee payments, just to procure water.”

Ground Realities – Lack of Policy Implementation

This audit sheds light on a disturbing disconnects, policy pledges, like mass rollout of water ATMs, exist. However, Implementation lags behind and excludes the most vulnerable.

The audit demands 5,000+ ATMs. These need to be strategically placed across construction sites, labour chowks, and markets. It is essential that they are not just in residential areas. The ATMs must be fully functional round the clock.

Critical policy suggests repairs and upgrades to existing public water points. This ensures a clean, reliable supply from DJB. It also involves monitoring to check corruption among water delivery intermediaries. Additionally, there should be investment in robust water infrastructure even in informal settlements.

Disparity in Distribution

Historically, Delhi’s informal settlements (JJ clusters, unauthorized colonies) face severe disparities. They receive only 9 litres per capita per day. In planned colonies, the amount is 270 litres. This data is based on past assessments by CSE. Many rely on exploitative private vendors, who charge ₹15 for 20 litres. 

Population faces nutritional and health consequences due to diverted resources, experiences educational disruption from lost income and time. Even in urban areas safety nets remain out of reach for the marginalized

Steps to Support for Marginalized

Taking actions in such situation matters more. Deployment of 5,000+ fully functional Water ATM and their Strategic placement ensures equitable access. Upgrading DJB infrastructure and repair public water points, reliable, safe alternatives to reduce reliance on private vendors. Water subsidy targeted to low-income communities should be provided. 

The Greenpeace audit report highlights the stark inequality existing for marginalized sections, even for necessities. It is high time that the Government takes visible actions. 

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