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.
Q. What are the potential limitations or challenges associated with implementing smart metering solutions on a large scale?
A. The initial capital investment required for Smart meter installation is substantially higher than conventional meters. The running and service costs to keep a smart metering system operating effectively can also be beyond the budget of most water utilities today. The transparency and customer-centric support that will be demanded from employing smart meters can be a daunting task for utilities to comply.
For a country like India, with its vast and diverse landscape, ensuring consistent connectivity for IoT devices can be challenging, particularly in remote areas. Data privacy and security concerns also need to be addressed, as smart meters collect detailed consumption data. There's also the need for a skilled workforce to manage and maintain these advanced systems. Integration with existing, often outdated water infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. However, Konarak Meter’s 25 years of expertise in the Indian market positioned to navigate these challenges.
Q. Based on your experience, what is the average percentage reduction in non-revenue water losses achieved through IoT-based solutions?
A. Based on Konarak Meter’s experience and industry standards, the average percentage reduction in non-revenue water losses achieved through IoT-based solutions typically ranges from 25% to 30%. This aligns with Konarak's track record of eliminating up to 35% of water wastage in apartment complexes through their smart metering solutions and integrated billing systems. The effectiveness of these solutions stems from the ability to provide real-time, accurate data on water consumption, enabling quick identification and resolution of leaks and inefficiencies. Konarak's high-precision meters, accurate to within 2%, play a crucial role in achieving these reductions by ensuring that even small discrepancies are detected and addressed promptly.
Q. Can you provide statistics or case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting and advanced wastewater treatment technologies in India?
A. Chennai, facing severe water scarcity, mandated rainwater harvesting in 2003. This led to a 50% rise in groundwater levels over three years in areas with proper implementation.
In Bangalore, where Konarak Meters tracks 900 million liters of water daily, similar initiatives could significantly increase water supplies. Advanced wastewater treatment has also seen success, with cities like Surat treating up to 57% of its wastewater for reuse in industries and agriculture. By accurately measuring water usage and identifying inefficiencies, these smart meters can enhance the effectiveness of the conservation technologies, potentially leading to even greater water savings.
Q. What are the estimated cost savings associated with implementing Konarak Water Meters; smart metering solutions in various sectors (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial)?
A. It is understandable, that when water is being billed by the litre the consumer automatically becomes more conscious of the usage, be it via conventional meters or smart meters there is usually a 20% - 25 % reduction in the overall consumption once the meters are installed. While specific cost savings can vary depending on the sector and scale of implementation, Konarak Meter's smart metering solutions have showcased significant economic benefits. In the state of Odhisha, there are 5 lakh active konarak metres installed, which captures approximately 350 million litres of water.
In apartment complexes, Konarak has helped eliminate up to 35% of water wastage, translating to substantial cost savings for residents and property managers. For commercial and industrial sectors, the potential savings are even greater due to higher water consumption. In urban settings like Delhi,NCR, where Konarak meters record 600 million liters of water daily, the implementation of smart metering could reduce non-revenue water by 25-30%. This translates to potential savings of 180 million liters daily, representing significant cost reductions for the water utility. While exact figures would depend on local water tariffs, the combination of reduced water loss and improved billing efficiency typically results in cost savings of 20-30% for water utilities and end-users across various sectors.
Q. Given the increasing water scarcity and the growing importance of sustainable water management, what are the emerging technologies and innovative approaches that you believe will play a crucial role in shaping the future of water conservation in India?
A. Emerging technologies and innovative approaches will play a crucial role in shaping the future of water conservation in India, that complements smart metering solutions. Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, when integrated with Konarak's high-precision meters, could further enhance leak detection and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Atmospheric water generation, particularly relevant in water-scarce regions, could provide an alternative water source. Precision agriculture, utilizing IoT sensors and AI, could drastically reduce water use in the agricultural sector, which currently consumes about 80% of India's freshwater. These technologies have the ability to track water usage as precisely as electricity (accurate to within 2%), that could change the water management system. By providing unfiltered data on water consumption patterns, Konarak's meters will be active in optimizing the implementation and effectiveness of these emerging technologies.
