JOIN USThere is a growing water crisis across the world, evident through the droughts in summers. As rivers are drying up, there are millions of people who have no access to fresh water in the country as well. And, with the summer approaching, water shortage will be a key concern in Bengaluru.
In an urban setup, an average Indian household, with a family of four, consumes about 1,000 litres of water every day. The World Health Organization (WHO)-prescribed water consumption is 150 litres per person per day, which translates to 600 litres per day. Therefore, most families waste roughly 35-40% of water because of accidental leaks and negligence. This water can be saved if the consumers are conscious about their usage and pay for what they consume.
But, this doesn't happen and most apartment complexes charge a fixed flat water fee to their residents. Even if the water consumption is different for each household, the bill is calculated by dividing the number of households by the total cost of water incurred by the apartment every month. The individual consumption is never equal which results in most residents paying for others' consumption as well.
Savings galore
A smart water meter can solve the issue of inequitable usage of water and billing. Smart meters are capable of reading individual consumption and provide readings to the consumer in real time. They also prevent wastage by detecting leaks and shutting off the water supply. The detailed consumption information helps the consumers alter their behaviour to bring in savings.
Research shows that apartment communities which have implemented individual metering have reduced their overall water consumption by 35%. Besides, they also save on energy costs because lesser water than before is pumped to overhead distribution tanks. Less consumption also means less wastage of water, resulting in multi-pronged savings.
If apartment complexes adopt smart water metering solutions, it can result in tremendous savings and multiple benefits like:
Fair billing: A large chunk of the population in cities resides in high-rise buildings that charge a flat fee per month for water consumption. It is not only unfair but leads to discomfort amongst the conscious residents as they feel unrewarded for their effort in reducing water wastage. Smart water metering enables housing societies to measure and charge individuals on actual consumption.
Automatic leakage detection: A leaky toilet can waste a significant amount of water every day. A dripping faucet or a leaky toilet flush remains unnoticed for a long time. Smart meters provide real-time leakage detection systems that can quickly alert the consumer and corrective action can be taken.
All-round cost reduction: A housing society with smart water meters not only brings in fair billing but it also reduces up to 35% costs in the overall water spent. With benefits like reduction in water consumption, reduced energy bill due to minimal need to pump water to overhead tanks, lesser sewage charge and better optimisation of their sewage treatment plant (STP), smart water meters provide an effective way to manage water in housing societies.
Without immediate steps and implementation of smart technology initiatives, there will be adverse implications for apartment-dwellers in urban cities. And, with a growing population in cities and water shortage, it is imperative that we take the essential measures to conserve and ensure sustainability in our city.
(The author is CEO, co-founder, SmarterHomes Technologies)