Water expo: extracting the last drop from sewage

The future belongs to those who can treat sewage and extract the last drop of clean water. At least the entrepreneurs at the Water Expo believe that’s the case.

The Expo being held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) has more than 70 companies in attendance. They have set up stalls showcasing the latest technology for treating sewage water. From natural treatment to standard mechanical processes to an automated system where one can control a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) sitting on a sofa, an array of exhibits will surely impress water conservationists.

A spokesperson for Water Today, which has organised the three-day expo, said water conservation will gain more importance in the coming years as deficiency of rain and depleting ground water will put pressure on policymakers to recycle water.

“Twin policies of creating awareness and setting up mandatory STPs will go a long way in reducing water wastage, and checking the pollution of water bodies. We have already realised water can’t be taken for granted. The coming years will see its value go up and rules will be framed accordingly,” he said.

Besides home-grown companies, many have come from New Delhi, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh among other places. A Mysuru-based firm exhibited a modular STP that can treat up to 600 litres of sewage per day - offering services on rent.

STP automation

Bengaluru-based K Sridhar and Kannan Pasupathiraj were demonstrating their STP system, built with German technology, that can be monitored online. “The idea is to make an STP as simple and silent as a refrigerator while being adaptable to tanks with a capacity of 1 to 5 kilo litres per day or even more,” said Sridhar.

When they realised that people were ready to spend on STPs, but not to hire a person for upkeep, Pasupathiraj decided to add the remote-control mechanism. “Sitting here, I can control the plant we have set up for a company in Chennai,” he said, showing a web page displaying hourly updates on the tank, starting from the state of waste water to its contents as well as the power supply variations.

Rohan Rane showcased a model from a Delhi-based firm that employs Phytorid technology devoid of chemicals. He said the simple construction and low-cost tech can be employed to revive lakes as well.

Also on display were smart devices that help cut water wastage, and new developments in reverse osmosis technology.