Factories and industrial units are among the largest generators of wastewater in India. From worker sanitation and canteens to process wash water and utility usage, factories produce a continuous flow of sewage that must be treated before discharge or reuse. With strict environmental regulations in place, installing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for factories is no longer optional—it is mandatory.
One of the most common questions factory owners and project managers ask is:
“What is the sewage treatment plant cost for a factory in India?”
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about factory STP plant cost, including capacity-wise pricing, technology options, operating expenses, benefits, and how to choose the right STP manufacturer.
What Is a Sewage Treatment Plant for a Factory?
A Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is a system designed to treat domestic-type wastewater generated within a factory premises. This includes sewage from:
- Worker toilets and washrooms
- Administrative offices
- Canteens and kitchens
- Guest houses and rest areas
- Floor washing and cleaning activities
It is important to note that industrial effluent (chemical or process wastewater) is treated in an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), while sewage from human activities is treated in an STP. Many factories require both STP and ETP systems.
Is STP Mandatory for Factories in India?
Yes. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) norms, factories generating sewage above prescribed limits must install an STP.
STP is mandatory for:
- Manufacturing plants
- Industrial sheds and warehouses
- Export-oriented units
- SEZ and industrial parks
- Factories with worker accommodation
Non-compliance may result in:
- Closure notices
- Heavy penalties
- Cancellation of Consent to Operate (CTO)
- Legal action
Therefore, installing a compliant STP is a critical part of factory infrastructure planning.
Sewage Treatment Plant Cost for Factory in India
The cost of a sewage treatment plant for a factory mainly depends on sewage generation, which is linked to manpower strength, water consumption, and facility size.
Approximate STP Cost for Factory (Capacity-Wise)
| STP Capacity | Suitable For | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 KLD | Small factory (50–80 workers) | ₹3 – ₹5 lakhs |
| 20 KLD | Medium factory | ₹4.5 – ₹7 lakhs |
| 30 KLD | Manufacturing unit | ₹6 – ₹9 lakhs |
| 50 KLD | Large factory | ₹9 – ₹14 lakhs |
| 100 KLD | Industrial campus | ₹15 – ₹25 lakhs |
| 200 KLD | Large industrial units | ₹28 – ₹45 lakhs |
| 500 KLD | Industrial townships | ₹65 lakhs – ₹1.2 crore |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary depending on technology, automation, civil work, and discharge standards.
How to Calculate STP Capacity for a Factory
Correct STP sizing ensures compliance, efficiency, and cost optimization.
General Calculation Method:
- Average sewage generation:
80–90% of water consumption - Typical water usage:
45–70 liters per worker per day (LPD)
Example:
A factory with 300 workers:
300 × 60 LPD = 18,000 liters/day
≈ 20 KLD STP capacity
Additional capacity is recommended for:
- Canteens
- Administrative buildings
- Future expansion
Factors Affecting Sewage Treatment Plant Cost for Factory
Several technical and commercial factors influence the final STP project cost.
1. STP Technology Selection
Different STP technologies have different capital and operating costs.
Common Technologies for Factories:
- MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor)
Most popular for factories due to compact design and low maintenance - SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor)
High treatment efficiency, suitable for large manpower strength - MBR (Membrane Bioreactor)
Produces very high-quality treated water, higher cost - ASP (Activated Sludge Process)
Conventional method, requires more space and skilled operation
2. Treated Water Reuse Requirement
Factories often reuse treated water for:
- Gardening
- Cooling towers
- Floor washing
- Utility makeup water
This may require tertiary treatment such as:
- Pressure Sand Filter (PSF)
- Activated Carbon Filter (ACF)
- UV or chlorination system
Higher reuse standards increase overall STP cost.
3. Civil Construction vs Package STP
- Civil RCC STP:
Higher construction cost, longer execution time - Prefabricated / package STP:
Compact, faster installation, lower lifecycle cost
Most factories prefer package STP plants due to space and time constraints.
4. Automation & Control System
- Manual operation – low cost, higher manpower
- Semi-automatic – balanced option
- Fully automatic PLC-based STP – higher initial cost, minimal human intervention
Automation improves consistency and reduces operational risk.
5. SPCB Compliance & Documentation
Strict pollution norms may require advanced treatment stages, online monitoring, and detailed documentation, affecting cost.
Operating Cost of STP Plant for Factory
Apart from capital investment, factories must consider monthly operating expenses.
Operating Cost Includes:
- Electricity for blowers and pumps
- Operator salary
- Chemicals (if required)
- Sludge handling and disposal
- Routine maintenance
Average Operating Cost:
₹3 – ₹8 per KL of sewage treated
Energy-efficient STP designs significantly reduce long-term operating costs.
Benefits of Installing STP in Factory
Installing an STP offers both regulatory and economic advantages.
Key Benefits:
- Compliance with CPCB/SPCB norms
- Reduced dependency on freshwater sources
- Lower water procurement and tanker costs
- Sustainable and eco-friendly operations
- Improved corporate environmental responsibility
- Eligibility for green certifications
Best STP Technology for Factories
For most factories in India, MBBR-based sewage treatment plants are considered the best choice due to:
- Compact footprint
- Stable performance despite load variations
- Low maintenance
- Cost-effective installation
- Compliance with pollution control standards
Large industrial campuses may prefer SBR or MBR systems based on reuse requirements.
Difference Between STP and ETP in Factories
| Aspect | STP | ETP |
|---|---|---|
| Wastewater Type | Domestic sewage | Industrial effluent |
| Source | Toilets, canteen, offices | Manufacturing process |
| Complexity | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Most factories require both STP and ETP for complete wastewater management.
Why Choose V Aqua Water Treatment Company for Factory STP
V Aqua Water Treatment Company is a reputed manufacturer and supplier of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), RO Plants, DM Plants, and complete wastewater treatment solutions in India.
With a strong foundation in engineering excellence and ethical business practices, V Aqua has successfully delivered projects across factories, industrial units, commercial buildings, residential complexes, and institutions.
Why Factories Trust V Aqua
- ✅ 134+ STP plants successfully installed across India
- ✅ CPCB & SPCB compliant designs
- ✅ Customized STP solutions for factories
- ✅ Energy-efficient and compact systems
- ✅ End-to-end execution: design to commissioning
- ✅ Reliable after-sales service and AMC support
With V Aqua, you don’t just buy an STP—you invest in compliance, reliability, and long-term performance.
How to Choose the Right STP Manufacturer for Factory
Before selecting an STP supplier, ensure they offer:
- Proven industrial experience
- In-house engineering and manufacturing
- Transparent pricing and scope
- Knowledge of SPCB compliance
- Strong service and maintenance support
A reliable manufacturer ensures smooth operation and zero regulatory issues.
Final Thoughts on Sewage Treatment Plant Cost for Factory
The sewage treatment plant cost for a factory should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than an expense. A well-designed STP helps factories reduce water costs, meet environmental regulations, and operate sustainably.
By choosing the right capacity, technology, and a trusted manufacturer like V Aqua Water Treatment Company, factories can achieve efficient wastewater management with optimal cost control.
Contact V Aqua Water Treatment Company
Let’s talk about everything!
📞 Mobile: +91 7827654995 / 9560654995
📧 Email: info@roservicepoint.com / sales@vaqua.in
🌐 Website: roservicepoint.com | vaqua.in
Build a compliant, sustainable, and cost-effective factory with V Aqua’s STP solutions.
FAQs
The cost of an STP for a factory typically ranges from ₹3 lakhs to over ₹1 crore, depending on capacity, technology, automation, and compliance requirements
STP capacity is calculated based on workforce strength and water usage, usually 45–70 liters per worker per day, with about 80–90% considered as sewage.
MBBR technology is most commonly used for factories due to its compact design, low maintenance, stable performance, and cost-effectiveness. SBR or MBR is used for larger plants
Yes. As per CPCB and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) norms, factories generating sewage must install an STP to treat wastewater before discharge or reuse.
Yes. Treated water can be reused for gardening, cooling towers, floor washing, and other non-potable industrial applications, helping reduce freshwater consumption.
