Patna, Nov 19 (IANS) The Bihar government has decided to set up a Ground Water Regulatory Authority to conserve and ensure proper usage of groundwater, said Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey.

According to the minister, the Ground Water Regulatory Authority would be part of the Bihar Water Policy that would be announced soon.

'The government had decided to set up monitoring committees at the state and district levels to conserve surface water and ensure maximum use of groundwater,' Choubey said.

He said the government would accord top priority to drinking water in the water policy after consulting experts.

The government, he disclosed, plans to introduce a dual water supply system that would supply both recycled and fresh water to the people -- fresh water for drinking and recycled water for sanitation and other purposes.