I am based in India, and I would like to start water treatment plant and sell the same. But here people are saying it is Haraam to sell water. Please clarify whether I should start the business or should refrain from it.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The Muslim jurists stated that one can sell the water that he possesses if it is his own property. There is no difference of opinion among the scholars on this issue as stated by Ibn Qudaamah in his book entitled Al-Mughni.

Moreover, it is reported that Imaam Ahmad said: “What is forbidden is to sell the surplus water of a well and springs at their source.”

Therefore, since it is permissible to sell water in the above stated case, then it is more permissible to sell it when a person incurs expenses to provide this water.

Based on the above, it is permissible to sell the water you described in the question, Allaah willing.

Allaah Knows best.