NBC 2016 Water Requirement Standards for Buildings and Infrastructure

Introduction

Accurate estimation of water demand is critical for sustainable urban planning, infrastructure design, and groundwater compliance. The National Building Code (NBC) 2016, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), provides standardized norms for drinking and domestic water requirements across residential, commercial, and institutional facilities.

These benchmarks are widely used by authorities such as the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) while processing NOC applications and compliance assessments.

At Simplicomp, we use NBC 2016 standards to prepare accurate water demand estimates for clients in real estate, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, ensuring both technical precision and regulatory compliance.

Water Requirement for Residential Buildings

• 1 Bedroom Unit – 4 persons
• 2 Bedroom Unit – 5 persons
• 3 Bedroom Unit – 6 persons
• 4 Bedroom & above – 7 persons
• EWS Housing – 4 persons
• Studio Apartment – 2 persons

Per Capita Requirement:

• Up to 20,000 population → 100–135 lpcd
• 20,000–100,000 population → 135–150 lpcd
• 100,000 population → 150–200 lpcd

👉 Out of this, 45 lpcd is allocated for flushing; the rest covers drinking, cooking, bathing, and other domestic uses.

Water Requirement for Other Buildings

NBC 2016 prescribes specific demand values for different categories:

👉 Additional demand for kitchens, laundries, clinical facilities, and seasonal variations shall be calculated separately.

Why NBC 2016 Water Norms Matter

• Regulatory Compliance: Used by CGWA, Pollution Control Boards, and ULBs in approval processes.
• Infrastructure Planning: Ensures realistic sizing of pipelines, storage, and treatment systems.
• Sustainability: Helps prevent underestimation (leading to shortages) or overestimation (leading to wastage).
• Project Approvals: Mandatory for Environmental Clearances (EC), CGWA NOCs, and building permits.

Simplicomp’s Role

At Simplicomp, we integrate NBC 2016 norms into:

• Water balance studies & demand assessment for projects.
• Preparation of CGWA NOC applications and compliance documentation.
• Design of STPs, rainwater harvesting, and reuse systems based on actual demand.
• Sustainability audits to align with both NBC and CGWA requirements.

By combining engineering accuracy with regulatory expertise, we ensure projects are approval-ready and environmentally sustainable.

Conclusion

NBC 2016 provides the baseline for water requirement estimation across all building types in India. For developers, industries, and institutions, adhering to these norms is essential not just for design accuracy but also for regulatory compliance with CGWA and MoEF.

With Simplicomp’s support, organizations can confidently plan, apply, and operate within the approved water norms while contributing to long-term water security.

FAQs

1. What is the standard per capita water requirement in India?
   As per NBC 2016, 135–200 litres per person per day is recommended, depending on city size.
2. How much water is allocated for flushing in NBC 2016?
   45 litres per person per day is earmarked for flushing in residential setups.
3. Do commercial buildings follow the same standards?
   No, NBC 2016 prescribes separate values for hospitals, hotels, malls, restaurants, offices, etc.
4. Why are NBC norms important for the CGWA NOC?
   Because NOCs require accurate water demand justification, NBC 2016 norms serve as the basis for approval.
5. Can Simplicomp help in preparing NBC-based water demand reports?
   Yes, Simplicomp specializes in preparing water requirement assessments and compliance documentation as per NBC 2016 and CGWA guidelines.

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