As India faces increasing water scarcity, forward-looking organizations are adopting decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse systems to reduce freshwater dependency and strengthen long-term resilience. This high-impact collaboration between Zoho Corporation and SUSBIO demonstrates how advanced sewage treatment technology can transform wastewater into a reliable, reusable resource.
At one of Zoho Corporation’s office campuses in Tamil Nadu, SUSBIO deployed its flagship SUSBIO ECOTREAT packaged sewage treatment plant integrated with an Ultrafiltration (UF) system. This integrated solution enables 100% in-house wastewater treatment, recycling, and reuse, eliminating discharge and significantly reducing dependence on freshwater sources. The project stands as a strong benchmark for sustainable corporate water management and directly contributes to strengthening India’s water security.
Project Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Client | Zoho Corporation |
| Location | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Application | Corporate office campus |
| Treatment Technology | SUSBIO ECOTREAT + Ultrafiltration |
| Wastewater Source | Domestic sewage from office operations |
| End Use of Treated Water | Toilet flushing and landscape irrigation |
| Discharge | Zero discharge (100% reuse) |
The Challenge: Sustainable Water Management for a Large Office Campus
Corporate campuses consume large volumes of water daily while simultaneously generating wastewater from washrooms, cafeterias, and utility areas. In conventional setups, this wastewater is treated only to disposal standards and discharged, leading to continuous dependence on freshwater sources and increased pressure on municipal sewage infrastructure. Zoho Corporation aimed to move away from this linear approach by implementing a closed-loop water system that could treat all wastewater on-site and reuse it safely within the campus. The objective was to achieve consistent treatment performance, high-quality reusable water, operational reliability, and long-term sustainability without adding complexity to day-to-day operations.
The Solution: SUSBIO ECOTREAT with Advanced Ultrafiltration
To meet these objectives, SUSBIO engineered a customized decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse system with SUSBIO ECOTREAT at its core. The system is designed to handle variable organic loads typical of office campuses while consistently reducing BOD, COD, and TSS to very low levels. To further enhance treated water quality and make it suitable for reuse in occupied office environments, an Ultrafiltration system was integrated as a tertiary treatment stage. This additional polishing step ensures the removal of fine suspended solids and pathogens, delivering clear, odor-free water that is ideal for non-potable reuse applications such as flushing and gardening.
Process Overview: From Wastewater to Reuse-Grade Water
All wastewater generated across the Zoho campus is collected and conveyed to the SUSBIO ECOTREAT plant, where it undergoes primary and biological treatment. This stage significantly reduces organic load and suspended solids, ensuring stable and consistent effluent quality. The treated water is then passed through the Ultrafiltration system, which removes remaining fine particles and microbiological contaminants. The final treated water meets reuse standards and is fully reused on-site through dedicated pipelines, creating a closed-loop water cycle with zero discharge.
Technical Performance: Influent vs Treated Water Quality
| Parameter | Influent (Typical) | After SUSBIO ECOTREAT | After UF System | Reuse Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOD (mg/L) | 250–300 | < 20 | < 5 | < 10 |
| COD (mg/L) | 400–500 | < 50 | < 30 | < 50 |
| TSS (mg/L) | 250–350 | < 20 | < 5 | < 10 |
| Turbidity (NTU) | >100 | < 10 | < 2 | < 5 |
| Fecal Coliform | High | Significantly reduced | < Detectable | Nil / Very low |
*Reuse standards aligned with CPCB guidelines and best practices for non-potable reuse such as toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
Reuse Applications Enabled
| Application | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Toilet flushing | Fully suitable |
| Landscape and garden irrigation | Fully suitable |
| Green belt irrigation | Fully suitable |
| Discharge to drain | Not required |
Results and Impact
The implementation of SUSBIO ECOTREAT with Ultrafiltration enabled Zoho Corporation to achieve 100% in-house wastewater recycling, eliminating wastewater discharge and significantly reducing freshwater and groundwater consumption. Environmentally, the project lowers stress on local water resources and supports sustainable urban water management. Operationally, it provides a reliable internal source of reusable water, stabilizes water costs, and ensures consistent performance with minimal operator intervention. At a broader level, the project promotes decentralized wastewater treatment and sets a scalable example for IT parks, corporate offices, and institutional campuses across India.
Why SUSBIO ECOTREAT Made the Difference
This project clearly demonstrates why SUSBIO ECOTREAT is a preferred solution for corporate and institutional wastewater treatment. Its modular and compact design, consistent treatment performance, and seamless integration with advanced tertiary systems like Ultrafiltration make it ideal for projects targeting 100% wastewater reuse. By converting wastewater into a dependable resource, SUSBIO ECOTREAT aligns environmental responsibility with operational practicality and long-term cost efficiency.
Conclusion: A Replicable Model for India’s Water-Secure Future
The SUSBIO × Zoho collaboration is a powerful example of how intent, technology, and execution can come together to address India’s growing water challenges. By treating and reusing every drop of wastewater generated within the campus, Zoho Corporation has demonstrated responsible corporate water stewardship, while SUSBIO has once again proven the real-world impact of SUSBIO ECOTREAT. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly critical issue, such closed-loop, decentralized wastewater treatment systems will play a key role in preserving water resources and strengthening India’s water security.
