The Water Purification and Treatment Association of India (WAPTAI) has urged the government to recognise the need for rationalising the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on water purification systems and their key components. This acknowledgement is essential for promoting better access to clean water technologies.
The association, representing manufacturers, distributors, technicians, and service providers from both organised and unorganised segments of the industry, asked that water purification systems used in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications and their spare parts be categorised as essential public health goods.
It asked that the current 18% GST on these items be rationalised to 5% or furnished with a relevant exemption, to enhance the affordability and wider adoption.
WAPTAI, in a statement, specified that water purification systems are important in protecting public health.
Even after the measures adopted under national initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the hardships pertinent to the water quality endure across domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors.
The existing GST framework surges the cost of water purification systems and spare parts, which affects affordability and leads to slow adoption. It significantly impacts domestic, small establishments, institutions, and industries, WAPTAI mentioned.
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The water purification industry is presently contributing to water conservation at commercial and industrial levels with the use of advanced technologies such as rainwater harvesting, ultra-filtration, nanofiltration, reject-water recovery solutions, water recycling and reuse technologies, along with STP, ETP, and Zero Liquid Discharge systems.
Access to safe drinking water is essential for maintaining public health and enhancing national productivity. Ashit Doshi, the President of WAPTAI, emphasised that adjusting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on water purification systems and their components could encourage broader adoption of certified technologies in various sectors.
Bhupesh Patel, the secretary of WAPTAI, stated that, “Affordable access to safe drinking water aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive growth and health security.”
The adjustment of the GST on water purification systems represents a significant advancement in ensuring access to safe drinking water across India. This change could also encourage responsible water conservation practices among citizens.
The association mentioned that water treatment and purification technologies are regarded as crucial infrastructure worldwide, with countries supporting their adoption through lowered indirect taxation and policy incentives.
