This article argues for the need to explore an alternative model of decentralised treatment and non-pipe mode of water supply to overcome the issues of water quality in cities in India.The recent Pey Jal Survekshan reveals that only 10 percent of cities provide safe drinking water to their citizens. Against this background, this article explains the challenges of providing safe drinking water through a centralised piped water supply model. It suggests the need to explore the alternative model of decentralised treatment and non-pipe mode of supply to overcome the issues of water quality in cities in India.