Water Conservation through Technology

Published on by in Business

Water Conservation through Technology

The CSRUniverse Interview with Mr. Raghunandan Prasad, Managing Director, Konark Water Meters

Water management and conservation are critical issues in today's world, particularly in India, where water scarcity and groundwater depletion pose significant challenges. Konarak Water Meters, a leader in high-precision metering solutions, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. In an exclusive interview with the company's  Managing Director, Mr. Raghunandan Prasad, we discuss how Konarak's innovative technologies and strategic partnerships align with the goals of India Water Week 2024, which emphasizes "Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management."

The discussion delves into Konarak's collaboration with key water utilities and international partners, particularly Japanese firms, to develop state-of-the-art meters and leakage detection systems tailored for the Indian market. These efforts are crucial in managing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and ensuring effective water conservation. We discuss the pivotal role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in addressing India's water scarcity challenges. Konarak has also deployed over 4 lakh meters under Government of India's Jal Jeevan Mission.

Mr. Prasad sheds light on the transformative potential of IoT-based solutions and AI in water conservation. From real-time data monitoring to advanced leak detection, these technologies are revolutionizing the way water is managed, reducing wastage, and optimizing distribution. As India faces a projected water supply deficit by 2030, innovative approaches and emerging technologies championed by companies like Konarak are essential for shaping a sustainable future.

Join us as we explore these critical issues and possible solutions:

Q. What is the primary focus of India Water Week 2024, and how does Konarak Water Meters align with this theme?

A.  India Water Week 2024's primary focus  "Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.", with special importance given to cross-sectoral and international collaboration.This is aligning closely with Konarak Meter’s mission. As one of the most precise meter manufacturers, Konarak's solutions directly support this theme by enabling accurate measurement and promoting sustainable water usage.

With groundwater levels declining by 0.3 meters annually in some regions and water demand projected to double the available supply by 2030, the need for efficient water management is critical. Konarak is working closely with several Key water utilities to push for cost-effective , reliable, high- tech water meters to manage their Non Revenue Water (NRW) and face the challenges of water conservation and management.

India has become the center of attention for firms looking to invest in the environment and climate change space, Konarak Meters is working with several Japanese firms to develop robust, higher precision water meters and state of the art water leakage detection systems for the Indian market. Pan-India konarak meters are  recording around 2500 million liters of water daily.

Q. Can you elaborate on the role of public-private partnerships in addressing water scarcity challenges in India?

A.  Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential in addressing India's water scarcity challenges.  The public sector has realized the importance of technology driven solutions to address the challenges of water scarcity.  Private firms have dedicated substantial efforts to come up with technology to conserve and manage water more effectively,  together with the reach of the public sector , long lasting synergy can be achieved.

Companies like Konarak Water Meters bring over 25 years of expertise and innovative technology to these partnerships. PPPs enable the integration of private sector efficiency with public sector resources, facilitating the implementation of smart metering solutions that can reduce non-revenue water by 25-30%.

Q. How does Konarak Water Meters contribute to the Government of India's Jal  Jeevan Mission?

A.  Konarak today has supplied over 4  lakh  meters toward India's Jal Jeevan Mission, and also by providing the technological foundation necessary for efficient water distribution and management.  Contributing towards JJM of India,  Konarak has developed a new high quality,  cost effective product called the Jal Jeevan Meter ( JJM) This water meter is specifically designed to tackle harsh environments and challenging water conditions to still give accurate and reliable readings to help the utilities manage their water supply, be it a remote village or and urban metropolis.

This aligns with the mission's objective of ensuring long-term sustainability of water supply systems. With the potential to reduce non-revenue water by 25-30%, Konarak Meters could play a major role in making the Jal Jeevan Mission economically achievable and environmentally sustainable. It can eliminate up to 35% of water wastage in apartment complexes that showcases the potential impact when applied on a larger scale.

Q. What are the most significant challenges facing water management in India today, and how can technology address these issues?

A.  Non revenue water (NRW) and unaccounted for water (UFW) is an issue that needs to be addressed. These issues can be brought down through the use of accurate water meters and robust  SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition)  systems, effectively delivering more water to all in need.

India faces several significant water management challenges, including severe water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and inefficient distribution systems. Technologies like Konarak's high-precision meters, accurate to within 2%, and real-time monitoring of water consumption, help address these issues by identifying leaks and reducing wastage. In Bangalore, where Konarak meters record 900 million liters of water daily for 12.9 million people, the potential impact is considerable

Q. In your opinion, what are the key benefits of IoT-based solutions for water conservation and management?

A.  IoT bases smart water meters will usher a paradigm shift in the way water is being measured and subsequently conserved, greatly mitigating human involvement and error.

The utilities and end users can enjoy real-time data on their usage and understand their consumption patterns. It will bring about a fair and transparent system of water management that will greatly benefit both utilities and consumers since it is likely to create a behavioral change in the end consumers to utilize water more conscientiously.

This capability has helped Konarak eliminate up to 35% of water wastage in apartment complexes. IoT solutions also facilitate data-driven decision-making, enabling water utilities to optimize distribution and reduce non-revenue water by 25–30%. Furthermore, IoT-based systems enhance customer engagement by providing users with detailed insights into their water usage, promoting conservation behaviors. Ultimately, these solutions contribute to more sustainable water management practices that are crucial for addressing India's projected water supply deficit by 2030.

Q. How can AI and machine learning be leveraged to improve leak detection and reduce water losses?

A.  AI and ML that are coupled with smart meters and gauges could help understand water distribution patterns and help point out areas of stress and bottlenecks in the supply line to help streamline water distribution. AI and machine learning can significantly improve leak detection and reduce water losses, as these technologies can analyze the vast amounts of data generated by smart meters, identifying subtle patterns that may indicate leaks or inefficiencies. For instance, machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies in water flow that might be undetectable through traditional monitoring methods. However, AI can also detect potential leak points based on factors such as pipe age, material, and environmental conditions, enabling proactive maintenance.

SOURCE

Taxonomy