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DESIGN
FOCUSSING ON INCREASED
National Design Editor AWARENESS OF WATER
Bivash Barua STANDARDS AND BEING A
VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
Assistant Art Director
Pravin Temble
20 - INTERVIEW WITH SUNIL
Chief Designer TRIVEDI, PRESIDENT,
Prasad Tate WATER QUALITY INDIA
ASSOCIATION (WQIA)
Senior Designer
Rekha Bisht
KNOWLEDGE
STORMWATER
Graphic Designer
Gauri Deorukhkar
MANAGEMENTAND FLOODS
FUTURE PROBLEMS...
Viraj Mehta
Web Developer 18 - INTERVIEW WITH DR.
MRITUNJAY CHAUBEY,
Dhaval Das GLOBAL VP -
Senior Executive - Online
ENVIRONMENT &
SUSTAINABILITY, UPL LTD
Pushkar Worlikar
Executive - Online
As our cities are facing increasingly frequent and
Salil Sule severe cases of flooding, Express Water reviews the
SCHEDULING & COORDINATION
challenges in addressing urban flooding and managing OUT OF THE BOX
Santosh Lokare the stormwater. THE MENTAL HEALTH
23-31 33
Photo Editor IMPACTS OF DROUGHTS
Sandeep Patil ON RURAL POPULATIONS
Mohan Varadakar
PRODUCTION
13 INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE, AND
WATER DATA: LEARNING FROM THE
AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE
TECH FOCUS - WATER
General Manager
Copyright © 2017
The Indian Express (P) Limited. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.
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India & Tajikistan Agree to Enhance Mutual Indian Government to Team up with
Cooperation for Sustainable Water Development Google for Flood Forecasting
EW Staff information to the masses
EW Staff Nitin Gadkari, the Union enhance mutual cooperation India widely using the dissemina-
India Minister for Water Resources, in the area of sustainable tion platforms developed by
River Development & Ganga water development. UNION MINISTER FOR Google. This initiative is likely
India and Tajikistan have Rejuvenation, on an official Sirodjidin Muhridin said Water Resources, River to help crisis management
reaffirmed their commitment visit to the central Asian that India was one of Development and Ganga agencies to deal with extreme
to promoting bilateral rela- republic, held wide-ranging Tajikistan’s reliable political Rejuvenation Shri Nitin hydrological events in a better
tions and agreed to enhance talks with Sirodjidin and strategic partners and Gadkari has expressed hope manner.
economic cooperation, partic- Muhridin, Foreign Minister of would also like to expand its that collaboration with Google Under this Agreement,
ularly in sustainable water Tajikistan in Dushanbe. economic ties with Indian gov- will help in effective flood CWC and Google will share
development. The two leaders agreed to ernment. management in India. Central technical expertise in the
Water Commission (CWC), fields of artificial intelligence,
India’s apex technical organi- machine learning, geospatial
zation in the field of Water mapping and analysis of
Resources, has entered into a hydrological observation data
EW Staff cling, Gradiant foresees signif- division in China, Jason Tao nology to help Chinese indus-
China icant opportunity to offer cus- Yu has been appointed trial facilities meet ZLD
tomers the benefit of its inno- Managing Director of requirements.”
ON THE HEELS of commis- vative products. The Gradiant Gradiant China and will be “Bringing ZLD to life in
sioning its latest zero liquid China team will provide local charged with leading the team. Jiangsu at a coal-fired power
discharge (ZLD) plant in leadership, sales and service “Reliable, cost-effective plant marks a major step for-
China, Gradiant Corporation, personnel, while product and wastewater treatment tech- ward to support China’s indus-
a leader in innovative solu- technology development will nology is in demand across trial sector,” stated Anurag
tions for industrial waste- remain within the parent, China as the country’s strict Bajpayee, CEO of Gradiant
water treatment and desalina- Gradiant Corporation. This environmental regulations for Corporation. “We look forward
tion, unveiled its plans to fur- approach ensures focus on in- industrial wastewater dis- to further commercializing
ther strengthen its presence in country customer needs while charge have impacted a wide Gradiant’s cutting-edge tech-
the country. Gradiant China processors, chemical produc- centralizing innovation and variety of industries,” said Yu. nology for wastewater treat-
will provide industrial water tion, oil and gas operations intellectual property develop- “The future is bright in China ment under Jason’s leader-
solutions and ZLD technology and other industrial facilities. ment. where there is ample opportu- ship, to help China’s industrial
to treat waste streams from Given the growing empha- With proven experience in nity for Gradiant’s innovative sector achieve critical ZLD
coal-fired power plants, textile sis on water reuse and recy- establishing a new business wastewater treatment tech- requirements.”
IRCTC Chooses Swajal for its CSR Water ATM Endress+Hauser Launches e-
Deployments Commerce Platform
The platform is now available on
The IoT-driven platform to spearhead operations and company’s website, provides
maintenance for two RO water vending machines over customers ability to purchase
the next 1 year at the National Rail Museum in Delhi. online and access order history.
EW Staff and anaerobic processes and a “BlueTech Forum has a strong now looking for “disrupting
Ireland massive reduction in operating track record of selecting tech- technologies that are more eco-
expenditure. nologies for the Innovation efficient” to improve treatment
TECHNOLOGIES FOR Canadian start-up Emagin Showcase that go on to succeed processes and reduce energy
WASTEWATER treatment won the Best Market Strategy in the global market. These two consumption and waste.
and plant optimization were award for its operational intel- winning companies came from Eddie Corwin, sustainabili-
the winners of the Innovation ligence platform that enables a very strong field and stood ty programme manager at
Showcase at BlueTech Forum. utility operators to manage out for the exceptional efficien- Google said the tech giant was
The event attracted 200 dele- infrastructure in real-time. In a cies they can deliver in terms looking for ways to optimize
gates and took place in Orianna Bretschger, Chief recent demonstration project of both cost and energy, along water use within existing
Vancouver, Canada. Executive of Aquacycl Receives with United Utilities in the UK, with their scalability.” municipal structures for water
Aquacycl, which is based in the BlueTech Forum Innovation the platform leveraged Hans-Ulrich Buchholz, envi- supply and wastewater collec-
California, won Best Award from BlueTech Chief machine learning to generate ronmental compliance manag- tion across its real estate port-
Technology Innovation for its Executive Paul O’Callaghan real-time pump schedules, er at cosmetics company folio. “Figuring out opportuni-
bioelectrical treatment tech- minimizing the cost of opera- L’Oreal, said the company is ties to go beyond efficiency
nology - BETT - which can processing municipal and tions while guaranteeing com- rolling out a ‘dry factory’ within our operations and fur-
directly convert sewage to elec- swine wastewater have demon- pliance and maintenance approach to reduce municipal ther reduce our potable water
trical energy without methane strated much faster treatment requirements. water consumption across its use is one of our biggest chal-
generation. Two pilot projects times than standard aerobic Paul O’Callaghan said, production facilities and was lenges,” he said.
EW Staff we had set ourselves by over The trade association’s UK members and secured grants
UK 50%,” he said. Forum has worked closely with enabling 34 companies to
The organization now the economic regulator Ofwat attend events in the Gulf,
BRITISH WATER HAD its boasts nearly 200 member on key issues for the supply Brazil, Vietnam, and France
“best performance ever” in companies and organizations chain this year - examining the over the last year.
2017-18, Chief Executive Lloyd and reported its most prof- proposed methodology for “We continue to be the go-to
Martin told members attend- itable year in recent history. PR19 (the 2019 periodic review organization for international
ing British Water’s annual gen- Martin said he was delighted of investment) and reviewing water delegations wishing to
eral meeting. “We saw a record that water utilities are now the issues of cyclicality and visit the UK,” he said.
number of new members join coming into membership, direct procurement for cus- Some 230 members joined
in the year and those new British Water’s Chief Executive describing the benefits as a tomers, Martin told attendees. the British Water Annual
members brought in a record Lloyd Martin Said that the “win-win relationship” at the He also praised British Water’s Lunch, held after the AGM,
level of new-member income, Association had its ‘Best meeting, which was held at international team, which has which also raised over £1,400
exceeding the internal target Performance Ever’ in 2017-18 Stamford Bridge stadium. also strengthened benefits to for WaterAid through a raffle.
EW Staff dors for the Association, IDA Past President and Director of ty for more than 50 years. Presidential Awards from
USA will intensify the engagement IDA, recipient of IDA Lifetime Dr. Emilio Gabbrielli: Past IDA.
with the world’s policymakers Achievement Award. IDA President and the cur- H.E. Fouad Makhzoumi:
THE BOARD OF Directors of to help ensure sustainable Eng. Ghassan Ejjeh: Past rent Comptroller of IDA. Past President and Director of
the International Desalination solutions to growing water President and Director of the Eng. Mutaz Ghandour: A IDA, H.E. Makhzoumi found-
Association has named seven scarcity challenges,” said IDA, and a great advocate of past Director of IDA, ed Future Pipe Industries in
prominent members of the Shannon McCarthy, IDA its activities, especially in Chairman, and CEO of Metito 1984 and has served as its
global desalination and water Secretary-General. water reuse. Holdings Ltd. Executive Chairman since
reuse community as its The IDA Board of Dr. David Furukawa: Past Dr. Masura Kurihara: A 2003.
Honorary Council. Directors welcomed the dis- President and Director of former IDA Director, he is the Eng. José Antonio Medina:
“Through the support of tinguished members for the IDA, Dr. Furukawa is a highly recipient of the IDA Lifetime Engineer Medina served the
the Honorary Council mem- 2017-2019 term: respected member of the Achievement Award and has IDA as President and was a
bers, who will act as ambassa- Dr. Jim Birkett: He is a global desalination communi- also been honored with two Director of Association.
EW Staff Jyväskylä Energy’s smart bursts, faulty assets and other Finland has chosen TaKaDu,
Finland water solutions unit. anomalies. This will give field bringing our worldwide pres-
With Finland’s extreme teams early notice of develop- ence to 13 countries. Finland is
FINLAND’S JYVÄSKYLÄ weather conditions and high ing events and a far greater clearly not a territory with
ENERGY Group, Central service standards, TaKaDu’s knowledge of the type and water scarcity, but the need for
Finland’s largest city’s water data-driven solution is set to urgency of the problems they water and energy efficiency is
utility, has turned to TaKaDu event management solution improve the utility’s opera- need to fix before venturing universal. That’s why TaKaDu
to increase the visibility of its will be deployed in the Finnish tional efficiency, save energy out. has an important role to play
water network, making it utility to improve network effi- and water, and reduce repair Ziv Zaretsky, EVP Sales everywhere - in such diverse
TaKaDu’s first customer in ciency and customer service. costs by detecting, analyzing and Business Development, climates as Australia and
Finland. As part of a three-year The project is being overseen and managing potential events TaKaDu, said, “We are delight- Finland and other countries -
contract, TaKaDu’s central and implemented by Pisara, and incidents, such as leaks, ed that Jyväskylä Energy in as a single knowledge layer.”
Evoqua
Bentley Systems
Design and control of
C o n t i n u o u s porting reliable and asynchronous project visibili-
Electrodeionization ty, anytime, anywhere.
(CEDI) water systems OpenPlant CONNECT Edition is the first applica-
have become more effi- tion in Bentley’s multi-discipline plant design to
cient and economical, utilize iModelHub, Bentley’s cloud service, which
with the use of fewer tracks all changes made to project designs and
power controllers, notifies users of changes. Participants can choose
using an efficiency- to synchronize to and from particular timeline
strategy proposed by milestones and can visualize, summarize, analyze,
Evoqua Water and interpret the impact of ongoing changes.
Technologies. Bentley Systems has announced the availability of Utilizing the integration between OpenPlant and
Following recent design OpenPlant CONNECT Edition, the latest of iModelHub, users can synchronize 3D models from
innovations, many Bentley’s plant design offerings that allow users in OpenPlant with iModelHub, to view and query the
Ionpure® CEDI mod- the process and manufacturing industries to model data in a web-based interface. Users can also
ules, require half the improve design and operations with a collabora- perform 2D and 3D consistency checking through
input voltage, or less, of the previous generation tive, intelligent, 2D and 3D plant design environ- integration with OpenPlant PID. A full history of all
CEDI modules and some can now be controlled in ment based on open data standards. OpenPlant the changes made to the 3D model and 2D designs
pairs by a single 3-phase DC power controller (DC3). CONNECT Edition now provides owner-operators are synchronized to iModelHub, including who
This gives OEMs a greater flexibility to work with a and engineering, procurement, and construction made changes, what was changed, when changes
reduced plant footprint or cost limitations when companies the ability to design and manage their were made, and the date the changes were com-
designing a CEDI purification train. Space savings plant data through cloud-based services, while sup- pleted.
can, therefore, be made by reducing the size of the
power cabinet for a given CEDI flow specification.
Simultaneously, the cost of controllers, ancillary elec- less steel fasteners. Typical applications include predictive analytics with Seeq; and an improved
trical components, and panel assembly work can also mechanical rooms of high-rise buildings, pump sta- query model for customers bringing in contextual
be saved, while cutting overall build time. tions, reservoirs, and water processing facilities that data from SQL-based data sources to provide faster
Advantages are not limited to single stack modules. operate at higher pressures. Class 250/300 RWGVs connections to big data sources. These leading fea-
Two-stack VNX modules (VNX55, and CDIT vari- are available in the non-rising stem (NRS), post indi- tures are in addition to addressing requests from
ants), with two sets of electrodes, still require an indi- cating (PI), and outside screw & yoke (OS&Y) config- users in the Tools Panel, scripting, and administra-
vidual power supply but benefit from lower power urations, in both Mueller® and U.S. Pipe Valve & tion capabilities. Finally, Seeq R20 includes new inte-
consumption and greater efficiency under DC3 con- Hydrant® brands. gration support for Inductive Automations’ Ignition
trol. In addition, with DC3, Evoqua’s NEXED® SCADA system including integrated display window
Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) modules can also be capabilities.
paired under parallel control to achieve footprint and
cost savings in the same way as a CEDI system. The Seeq Corporation
new DC3 power controllers, LX, VNX and NEXED
modules are designed and manufactured in the USA. Val-Matic
Va l - M at i c ’s
C a m -
Centric®
Mueller Plug Valve is
Mueller Water Products, an excellent
Inc. is expanding its choice when
250/300 Resilient Wedge you have
Gate Valve product line more than
with a new end design. just water
The expansion of f l o w i n g
Mueller’s 350psi, Seeq Corporation has announced the release of its through your
AWWA/UL/FM rated second update to their Seeq Software Application system. The
Resilient Wedge Gate in 2018, staying on plan to provide four new releases C a m -
Valves (RWGV) product each year. Seeq is an advanced analytics solution for Centric®
line with new end design engineers and scientists in process manufacturing Plug Valve is the solution for systems when slurries,
conforms to the organizations to rapidly wrangle, investigate, and grit or solids are present. Its eccentric action allows
ASME/ANSI dimensional requirements for Class share insights on manufacturing data. Target mar- the plug to rotate and lift out of it seated position
250/300 valves. Specifically, the flange and lay length kets include oil & gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, minimizing rubbing or scraping. Features such as a
(end-to-end) of the new Class 250/300 RWGV com- energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process heavy-duty fully rubber encapsulated plug, welded
plies with ASME/ANSI B16.1, B16.42, B16.10, and industries. Recent releases of Seeq have focused on nickel seat, grit-seals and V-Type packing provide
PN25 drilling standards. This ductile iron valve is enabling larger deployments through scalability fea- reliable operation. Cam-Centric® Plug Valves are
available in standard sizes from 3 to 12 inches, com- tures in the software by making the Seeq application built using advanced manufacturing technologies
plies with the requirements of AWWA C509/C515 easier to use. New R20 features include the ability to and are certified to rigorous industry standards to
and NSF 61/372, and retains all competitive features have live updates to Seeq Topics, which are a way to assure reliable performance. Fusion Bonded Epoxy,
of other 350psi rated RWGVs including integrated lift publish insights from Seeq to other users; expanded Rubber Lining or Glass Lining coatings are available
lugs, a self-activating wedge seal and grade 316 stain- machine learning functionality for customers doing when necessary.
transport sediment and the Plan for Water Security, held by different agencies. In
like. There was a huge knowl- specifically to do with reforms Australia, it’s literally over 100
edge gap about how those around water information. agencies, probably closer to
northern rivers function. It That ultimately resulted in a 170 in fact. Often, they would-
was an exciting experience, new function for the n’t give us the information,
with very intensive fieldwork Australian Bureau of which was a problem.
for quite a few years, in spec- Meteorology to undertake a We are seeing this also in
tacular and dangerous places - National Water Information many other parts of the world.
full of crocodiles. Service. When that policy was One can ask: “Why bother-
After that I spent 20 years enacted, I joined the Bureau ing to pull this data togeth-
working in CSIRO, Australia’s to implement it in a ten-year er?”. The answer is that, quite
national science organization, implementation program, and apart from its value to scien-
first chiefly as a Research after the first five years, I tists, water information that
Hydrologist exploring water became the CEO of the people have gathered has very
balances. I specialized in for- Bureau. I stayed in that role great utility value when you
est hydrology but also worked for almost five years, until can ‘repurpose’ it, into servic-
across different types of sys- semi-retirement. es to help people make deci-
tems, and I really focused on Nowadays I do two things: sions. In the Bureau of
experimentation in catch- research on water security Meteorology, we spent a lot of
ments, making water balance and climate change through a time thinking through how to
measurements and then mod- Research Professorship at the do that because we under-
elling how those catchments University of Melbourne, stood that that was the way to
were functioning. About part-time; and consulting garner support from the end
halfway through my career at work, most of which have user community. And if you
CSIRO, I started getting into been framed around have the end user community
leadership and executive lead- Australian Water Partnership support then you, by defini-
ership positions. I became the (AWP) activity overseas, tion, have got the
Director of the Cooperative which has enabled me to come Government’s support as well.
Research Centre for full circle, in a way. A surprising number of
Catchment Hydrology, and countries that are thinking
later the Chief of CSIRO’s What led to the idea of about getting their data in
Land and Water Division. gathering and centralizing order are not thinking enough
Then, during Australia’s water information? What about that end use. They are
major drought, there was a were the main factors in not giving attention to how
great sense of panic around achieving success? they are going to use the infor-
Prof. Rob Vertessey the country about how we Prof. Vertessy: Through mation to make a difference.
were going to get through this much of my research career I Rather, they are thinking
Tell us a bit about your my Ph.D. studies I was based ‘Millennium Drought’. I was was utterly frustrated by the about the technical issues,
background and your pre- at the Australian National seconded to the federal gov- lack of good reliable data on such as: Where’s the data?
vious work leading up to University in Canberra. My ernment Department of our water situation in How do we get it? What kind
what you do today. Ph.D. was all about large tidal Prime Minister and Cabinet to Australia. If you are a mod- of technology do we use to pull
Prof. Vertessy: For my river systems in Northern contribute to the development eller and you’re trying to it all together?
first degree I trained as a geo- Australia, understanding how of some national water reform model water balances, you are An important first step in
morphologist, at Monash they function, how they policies. I spent four months constantly chasing down dif- achieving our national water
University in Victoria, and for change over time, how they there, working on the National ferent shreds of data that are information service was the
legislative reform, the regula- to free people up to want to I’m also finding it fascinat- been able to create services I have written for the high-
tory framework that Australia help. ing to work through the differ- that bring real economic level panel on water, to be
put in place. In fact, many col- ent ‘boundary conditions’ in value. In fact, already released in 2018. There is a
laborative, negotiating-type of Tell us about the interna- these countries, to work out although the water informa- chapter on institutions and on
approaches had been tried in tional work you’ve been how progress can be made. tion program here has only how you go about thinking
the years prior to these doing with the Australian You can’t just bring in the just completed the ten-year through what their mandates
reforms, to try and get the Water Partnership (AWP). Australian model, because implementation phase, it is are, and how you go about pre-
states pulling in the same Prof. Vertessy: Through we’ve got completely different already returning a cost-bene- senting propositions to gov-
direction, but they’d not suc- the opportunity to work with boundary conditions – that is, fit of somewhere between 3 ernment - considering how to
ceeded. For the people that AWP, I’ve had five missions the (for example) political, or and 8. And that return on create new institutions to
own the data, who really only abroad in 2017. I’ve been to cultural or geographical con- investment is only going to be serve these purposes.
want it for their own business Iran and Jordan, and to India, ditions that limit what can be improving in the future. That was the magic of the
interests, there was very little Pakistan and most recently done. So understanding those In India, I think it’s very Australian formula and I think
incentive to provide it to Lao. They all, of course, are boundary conditions in-coun- important to go back to basics the principle is generic and is
someone else for the ‘national different, with different chal- try, and working with them to talk about the inherent going to apply wherever you
good’. There were a few lenges. I have gone there gen- and their particular con- value proposition, to conceive go – because why should a
enlightened souls of course, erally to talk about my spe- straints is something that I the services which will have particular single agency with
but most people were reluc- cialty area: how water infor- find really interesting. real appeal to the stakehold- a very discrete set of business
tant to participate in anything mation can be used by govern- As an example, the Water ers, the owners of the infor- objectives and mandates
which added to the burden of ments to help them navigate Guide which AWP published mation, and to incentivize bother itself about other peo-
their day jobs. Some jurisdic- the often-diabolical imbal- in 2017 focuses on water them to participate, to think ple’s concerns? That’s the
tions and some organizations ances between water supply scarcity, but when we started through policy instruments essential problem in a way.
did not want to be involved at and water demand. talking about it in Laos, while that could help. They might be
all. They just wanted to hold The first four of those they liked the ideas at first, it partly regulatory, they might How might other countries
onto their data - maybe they countries are undergoing turned out to be framed in a be partly financial. Again, set up their own water in-
were embarrassed about their acute water scarcity at the way that was not really rele- many agencies have frustrat- formation institutions
quality of it. There could have moment, partly because they vant to their situation. There ing limitations on their with the resources, author-
been all kinds of reasons. are in difficult hydro-climates, is tremendous opportunity to resources. Incentivising them ity, and ability to create
To achieve a radical break- and also partly because they broaden and deepen the value to cooperate may sometimes the necessary shared vi-
through, I proposed that there don’t have the appropriate of Water Guide by considering just take money, for instance. sion?
should be firm legislation, but policy and governance struc- other types of use cases, not I think it’s important for Prof. Vertessy: As I said,
it couldn’t be just a ‘stick’ - a tures to limit water extrac- just water scarcity. India to think deeply about, Australia did not create a new
heavy-handed approach with tions. So water information and work through, those non- institution: we gave the func-
an Act. We needed it to be bal- has turned out to be an Can you give an example of technical-design matters first. tion to the pre-existing insti-
anced with a ‘carrot’, and the absolutely fundamental any situations you’ve seen I think strong institutions are tution, the Bureau of
carrot was a major funding requirement. overseas? absolutely vital in this, partic- Meteorology, and I think that
program, which the Bureau If you are going to balance Prof. Vertessy: Well each ularly where there are com- could be a good approach for a
administered on behalf of the your water supplies and country is different and has plex inter-jurisdiction or country - i.e. to consider aug-
Government. demand, you need good data different situations that it has inter-agency arrangements. menting its national weather
It was $80 million, a lot of and answers to questions such to deal with. India offers some It’s essential that someone service.
money, and that was passed as: Where’s the water coming interesting illustrations. stands up and takes on the When you look at all the
out to all the data owners, to from? Where is it? What’s its For example, in India, leadership...and that they are national weather services
help them do their jobs better, supply trajectory in the future there is a strong built-in reluc- properly resourced to do so, around the world, in many
to make better primary meas- going to look like? Where are tance to share information and can manage the conversa- countries (though far from all
urements and also to help the demands? How’s it being between the Indian States and tions and can devote them- countries) the weather service
them build technologies to utilized? And so on. Yet most the State and the Federal selves to creating the ‘X-fac- already has some hydrologic
send the data to the Bureau in of these countries that have Governments. It is an impor- tor’ out of what is currently functions. Many national
a way that was not burden- these problems have rather tant cultural problem that available as assets. weather services are respon-
some for them. In other poor water information needs to be surmounted in the In other words, I believe sible for flood forecasting, for
words, it was to automate the arrangements. Even though context of water information, they need to create an institu- instance. Not many are
process. This program has Australia was in a similar situ- Yet, many people there are tion with a mandate and a responsible for water
been a tremendous success. ation a few years ago, we were trying to address water infor- rationale to address the resource information roles,
From all of this, I realized never quite as badly off as mation problems by thinking broader good of the country, but I would argue that they
that fundamentally everyone’s these countries. Some of them about them only as related to of the sector, of the region, for are fit for purpose for that
chief concern is that they lack lack even fundamental moni- information systems. whatever function you are task. Even in Australia, we
the resource capability to toring networks. It seems to me that to talking about. However, even needed to bring a whole new
actually help. Most of these Australia may still not be make substantial long-term though that approach suc- cadre of water resources spe-
organizations have had their doing everything right, and progress in India, to make real ceeded here, it takes a large cialists into the Bureau of
funding and staffing levels still making lots of mistakes, inroads there, it will be essen- amount of money - and it Meteorology to do this job
reduced over the years. They but we have some wisdom tial to prove the ‘value propo- might not work as a new insti- properly.
find it difficult to keep adding that we can share. I’m finding sition’. That is, how everyone’s tution. Australia gave that Weather services have
new tasks and responsibilities that there’s a great appetite lives can be enriched by better function to a long pre-existing many characteristics that I
on top of their day to day jobs. for that abroad, in the coun- water information and shar- institution, the Bureau of think are beneficial for this
So, by finding a way to help tries I’ve visited. The people ing what is available. Meteorology. type of role. First of all, they’re
them do their jobs better and are really motivated to We’ve certainly proved I have made quite a point of very independent; they are
more efficiently, we were able improve their arrangements. that here in Australia. We’ve this idea recently in guidelines not strong ‘policy shops’, for
instance. Also, they tend not try strategy for every partner- Third, they have an unhap- go there with an aid mentality. want of a better term, the
to be driving a particular poli- ship that they have overseas py colonial history and there- In short, finding a way to ‘burning platform situation’.
cy agenda, and they are gener- is, I think, very important fore they don’t react well to interface with them that is You speak to technical special-
ally respected for their techni- because countries have differ- colonist-type mentalities in authentic and resonates with ists and they’ll quickly explain
cal prowess. ent motivations, or con- people coming into their coun- them is the key, and the how they are facing a ‘cliff’ at
They have a lot of common straints - ‘boundary condi- try and telling them how to do Country Strategy offers help- some point in the near future,
infrastructure including high- tions’. things. I have heard of a num- ful viewpoints for that. and yet that sense of urgency
performance computers, India is the first country ber of cases that have mis- It has been a master- or crisis is not being explained
databases, communications where the AWP has sought to fired, where an Australian stroke, I think, to appoint a to the Minister nor the public
systems. They have respected develop a Country Strategy, team went in heavy-handed to person on the ground in India, in ways compelling enough for
qualifications in measuring and I have had a go at produc- try and sell an approach that ‘VJ’. He’s building a consistent them to understand it and
things because they are run- ing one (it’s still work-in- the Indian people did not relationship for AWP there. embrace it. All these special-
ning weather station net- progress) by doing an exten- want. So working out a way in VJ is a guy who has tremen- ists crave a solution to this
works and similar equipment. sive set of interviews with which to work with them, help dous networks and experi- problem, and water informa-
And weather services are sta- around 30 people who had them to help themselves, is a ence. Virtually every person tion turns out to be one of the
ble organizations because the been working in India for really important thing I dis- that I interviewed thought magic ingredients.
information they provide is so AWP or, in a few cases, inde- covered.
critical and there is a sover- pendently of AWP. My aim Fourth, there is a lot of sen-
eign requirement to have that was to get a sense of their sitivity to carpet-bagging. Water Information Reforms in Australia
kind of information at hand. rich body of experience India’s a massive country and There are about 170 government agencies in Australia
That is what you need for gained over last few years. its water sector is huge. It will that collect water data, each with different mandates and
long-term environmental Initially, the draft just sets be spending literally trillions business interests. At the national level, the availability of
monitoring of any kind. down the main things to think of dollars on water in the next this data is vital for solving water scarcity problems and is
I believe that weather serv- about in India. It’s clear they 50 years. And many countries much more valuable than individual research items. This is a
ices can do much more in have a series of diabolical look at this as a kind of busi- scenario that exists in many countries.
most countries than they are water challenges: everything ness opportunity, and they are In this interview, Rob suggests that many countries don’t
doing. In our Bureau, as CEO, from WASH and water quali- in India because of commer- consider end users of the data and information is communi-
I was trying to reimagine the ty problems to water scarcity cial interests. However, when cated to affect change. Instead, they focus on technical
organization as a broad-based and flooding. You don’t have you speak to our people in the issues. Create financial and policy incentives for the owners
environmental intelligence to look far for a problem to federal government of data to collaborate is important for addressing water
agency, rather than just a focus on, but working out how Department of Foreign Affairs scarcity, however, overcoming reluctance is not a simple
weather service. Our bureau to interface with them and and Trade (DFAT), you find process. Organizations need mechanisms to make them com-
does oceans monitoring, space finding a productive opportu- that although they would like fortable to share information.
weather monitoring, long- nity in a sea of opportunity, to see improved trade In Australia, a response to overcome resistance to change
term climate change and that’s a different thing. And between India and Australia, was needed. This involved legislative reform through the
other measurements, as well that’s what the country strat- they are approaching India’s Water Act (2007) as a stick and an AU$80 million govern-
as the water information and egy tries to do. There are a water issues from a water- ment-funded program called the Modernisation and
the weather. And also it has a few things we need to be diplomacy point of view. The Extension of Hydrological Monitoring Systems Program as a
natural inclination to interface mindful of in India. attitude at DFAT is: ‘Look carrot.
with the public. First, trying to understand we’ve got some interesting
In short, you find that the dynamic between States and useful skills in this area, that it was fabulous that AWP You certainly also need
weather services have many and Central Government and they’ve got some big prob- has appointed this person. I’m individuals with great com-
of the characteristics that are agencies is very, very impor- lems. It would be really good sure that is going to yield a lot munication prowess, but the
needed for the water informa- tant when it comes to water for our bilateral relationship if of fruit. common point is the need to
tion tasks, which is why the reform. It’s a complex federa- we could find a way to help Personally, I find working get their water information
Australian Government tion, like Australia but much them meaningfully.’ in India to be intensely inter- assets working for them, to
assigned water information as more complex. It’s got some The AWP approach, of esting. It’s a privilege and an catalyze change. That is one
an adjunct function to the 30 objects rather than six or building a country strategy, honor to go into a country and reason why they are all inter-
Bureau. It has now been made seven. Of course, it’s a vast, and going to India with an learn about it and meet fabu- ested in trying to reform their
a permanent function, which giant country with many, authentic long-term, patient lous smart people in agencies water information.
is fabulous. many people and thus many and honest approach, is a real- and discover what their issues I like to work with their
In similar countries I’ve institutions as well. So, navi- ly good thing to be doing. We are and find a way to help. governments and senior offi-
visited, I’ve seen similar gating your way through that are not setting-up expecta- cials to start them thinking
opportunities present them- maze and working out the tions of any great commercial Have you seen any com- more about how a solution can
selves with the weather serv- productive alliances to work return. Anyway, it is very hard monalities in terms of wa- be a kind of business proposi-
ices as well. So, I would exhort with is very important. doing business in India. ter data among the coun- tion. That’s the key, quite
most people to start there and Also, although it’s beset by And another thing I’ve tries you have worked in? apart from having generic
explore that opportunity. many problems it’s also a learned through the AWP Prof. Vertessy: In virtually technical-focused conversa-
highly capable country. It has interviews is that, although all the situations I’ve gone tions on how to get data sort-
Tell us more about your nuclear power, a space race. India has many deep problems into, I have learnt that it’s ed out.
work with AWP, especially They have a very strong tech- – with terrible filth and some been very hard for these coun- The Australian Water
finding out how to engage nical capability, and in the terrible WASH issues and tries to execute water reform Partnership (AWP) is an
productively and support- water sector as well. And so they are way behind on their in a general sense because Australian Government devel-
ively for India. working out how we can add Sustainable Development they lack a compelling narra- opment initiative enhancing the
Prof. Vertessy: The way value to that is a very impor- Goals – they are not an aid tive around their most urgent sustainable management of
the AWP has initiated a coun- tant consideration. country. So Australia cannot issues – what I might call, for water across the Indo-Pacific.
How can desalination best the latest studies and ad- and less waste - which equals
mitigate and address the vances are aimed at cost less cost.
high energy, cost, and toxic savings, both in energy
effluent from membrane consumption and in the fi- Tell us about any ‘one’ cut-
problems? And what is the nal cost of desalinated wa- ting-edge technology
best way to reduce the en- ter. In addition to the in- which you believe will set
vironmental impact of pol- corporation of renewable the trend for the future of
luted membranes after energies, what all tech- desalination?
use? nologies would contribute Devesh: This is a very diffi-
Devesh: The best way for to further reduce these cult question to answer. I’ve
the industry to address these costs? been in this industry long
issues is to move to a true life- Devesh: This is why enough to have learned that
cycle-based approach and Aquatech developed LoWatt™ there are no shortcuts or cut-
steer clear of evaluating only technology. Our initial aim ting-edge technologies that
the capital cost of the plant. was to reduce energy con- will solve problems with a
It is important to note that sumption. snap of a finger.
in desalination, an optimized The goal was simple: devel- It seems that every month
design approach is completely op a plant with “low energy by we read about something new
aligned with environmental design”, and to do this effec- and revolutionary, but when it
stewardship. tively, one would have to oper- comes to proof and practice -
The largest costs of desali- ate the system as clean as pos- either technologically or eco-
nation over the lifetime of a sible, as fouling of the mem- nomically - the wheels fall off
plant are power consumption, brane is a significant contrib- the wagon, so to speak.
membranes & consumables, utor to energy consumption. When it comes to seawater
Devesh Sharma and chemicals. Through innovations such desalination, I think there is
If the focus is on lifecycle as our Nutrient Removal still tremendous scope in
costs then those who have Filters (NRF™) and Osmotic improving the performance of
developed more reliable and Cleaning™ we met our goal reverse osmosis and this will
low energy consuming sys- and created a process that can lead to significantly improved
tems will have longer mem- reduce power by 20-25% over economics as I have described
brane lives and less chemical conventionally designed with LoWatt™ technology.
cleaning, so these facilities will SWRO plants. With regards to desalina-
not only have less energy con- In addition to this, we dis- tion of industrial brines, I do
sumption, they will also have covered many added advan- see Vacuum Membrane
in less waste. tages that amount to lower Distillation as a cutting-edge
All of this ultimately lifecycle cost and higher relia- technology that could make a
results in the lowest total cost bility. significant impact in the
of water. This should be every- In the LoWatt™ process, space. This technology has the
one’s ultimate focus. membranes last longer and potential to reduce capital as
cleanings are less frequent. well as operating costs of zero
In the desalination market, The result is higher uptime discharge.
agriculture sustainable, we tainable development. Aiming nected with environment & tional bodies. I am also a
are the fastest growing com- to decrease abstracted water sustainability since my aca- member of advisory board of
pany in the industry. Our busi- demand in our operating demic career. I was passionate World Business Council for
ness includes the production plants, we have taken follow- to work for environmental Sustainable Development.
of crop protection products, ing initiatives this year: protection since childhood. I More than 50 technical
intermediates, specialty have done B.Tech., M.Tech., papers have been published in
chemicals and other industri- • Reduced the water con- Ph.D. in Environmental renowned international jour-
al chemicals. sumption in ALP Red Engineering from Indian nals and conferences with my
Phosphorus production in Institute of Technology (IIT), name. I was awarded “CSO of
What is the “Water Con- our Vapi Unit 0. Delhi. I have nearly 22-years of the Year Award” at Air
sumption Reduction Plan” • Reduced the water con- professional experience in Quality Control & Monitoring
of UPL? sumption in Clomazone, renowned MNCs like Shell, Summit 2017, New Delhi.
Dr. Chaubey: Two years Devrinol production in our Unilever, UPL & Pentair in the I believe that yesterday’s
ago, UPL had launched UPL Ankleshwar Unit 2. field of sustainability, environ- solutions are not the answer
Sustainable Development • Utilized the hot water bath mental engineering, water & to future problems. At pres-
Plan to reduce 30% environ- water in drum detoxifica- wastewater treatment. ent, I am heading environ-
mental footprint by 2020. tion in ou Ankleshwar Unit Currently, more than 100 envi- ment & sustainability of UPL
Under this development plan, 3. ronmental protection tech- Limited globally and working
30% specific water consump- • Enhanced the RO water uti- nologies are successfully to reduce its 30% environmen-
tion reduction plan by 2020 lization by 57% in last two working in Asia, Africa, tal footprint by 2020 by
Dr. Mritunjay Chaubey was included. We have adopt- years at Jhagadia Unit 5. Europe and America designed embedding sustainability into
ed structured approach • Implemented water-effi- by me. I have also worked in UPL business strategy.
First, tell us in brief about toward water consumption cient equipment in manu- the cross-cultural environ-
United Phosphorus Lim- reduction at UPL. In the past facturing processes. ments - Netherlands, Italy, What are your major con-
ited (UPL) and its activi- two years, we have achieved • Implemented Metering, Turkey, Singapore, Brunei, tributions to the environ-
ties. 20% specific water consump- Monitoring & Targeting Malaysia, Dubai, USA, Libya, ment and sustainability?
Dr. Chaubey: UPL is tion reduction and in future, (MMT) to ensure the effi- Indonesia, Russia, China, Dr. Chaubey: I believe that
world’s second largest post we are committed to reducing cient performance of the South Africa, etc. My contri- sustainability is the best
patented crop protection it further. system. bution towards the research opportunity for business to
agrochemical manufacturing Sustainable industrial • Dedicated technology- work of fixed film bioreactor drive smarter innovation and
company and was incorporat- water management plays a group worked to reduce the technology, fluoride removal, the profitable growth.
ed in the year 1969. UPL is a vital role in achieving future water demand. extreme modularization of Sustainability ensures a fair
global company present in water security in a world WWTP, OH radical technolo- society, living within environ-
more than 130 countries. where water stress will How are you connected gy, forward osmosis technolo- mental limits and creating a
Winning farmers’ hearts increase. The optimum uti- with the environment and gy, and low-salinity water sustainable and profitable
across the globe, while leading lization of all natural sustainability? Please tell flooding was also well appreci- business. We are constantly
the way with innovative prod- resources is an integral part us about your background. ated by the industries. I am a working to reduce environ-
ucts and services that make of UPL’s commitment to sus- Dr. Chaubey: I am con- member of various interna- mental footprint and find
aims to align its goals with the reduce 30% specific CO2
global targets for sustainable emission, 20% specific water
development. The 17 goals consumption, and 25% specif-
were identified by UN to ic waste disposal at our oper-
achieve the sustainable devel- ating plants.
opment goals (see graphic).
What are the key issues
What is the role of WBCSD with wastewater treat-
(World Business Council ment in industries? And
for Sustainable Develop- what are the best solutions
ment) to achieve UN Sus- for wastewater recycling &
tainable Development reuse?
Goals? Dr. Chaubey: The key
Dr. Chaubey: WBCSD is a issue with industrial waste-
global, CEO-led organization water treatment is the com-
of over 200 leading businesses plexity of effluent characteris-
working together to acceler- tics and its variation. At this
ate the transition to a sustain- moment, biological treatment
able world. WBCSD helps its is the most popular treatment
member companies become technology for wastewater
more successful and sustain- but its treatment efficiency
able by focusing on the maxi- decreases with the increase of
17 Sustainable Development Goals (Photo credit: United Nations Department of Public Information and UPL) mum positive impact on the total dissolved salts inside the
shareholders, environment, effluent.
innovative product solutions believe that sustainability is ppm) effluent. This technolo- and societies. WBCSD mem- We must carry-out effluent
that benefit the environment. the best opportunity for busi- gy uses minimum power, and ber companies come from all stream identification, charac-
Till date, I have made fol- ness to drive smarter innova- chemical, with minimum area business sectors and all major terization, and segregation
lowing contributions toward tion and profitable growth. It occupancy. economies, representing a before finalization of a treat-
sustainable development: ensures a fair society, living Volute is an efficient sludge combined revenue of more ment technique. High TDS
• Reduced industrial CO2 within environmental limits dewatering equipment operat- than USD 8.5 trillion and with stream must be segregated
emissions 198471 and creating a sustainable ed on a continuous basis. This 19 million employees. and treated separately with
ton/annum which is equiva- profitable business. will help us in the efficient either OH radical or forward
lent to planting 9.7 million management of sludge gener- One of the aims of UPL is osmosis technology. Scaleban
large trees. How does technology play ated from our wastewater to achieve the 17 UN Sus- technology can help us a lot
• Reduced industrial water an important role in it? treatment plants. tainable Development for treated effluent recycling,
consumption 3136 million Dr. Chaubey: Technology Moving Bed Bioreactor Goals by 2020 - as per and reuse in the cooling tower.
liters per annum which is plays an important role in (MBBR) process is a combina- Agenda 2030. How do you
equivalent to provide drink- reducing the environment- tion of suspended growth and align your own sustainable Vedanta's Sterlite Copper
ing water to 1.7 million peo- footprint of any company. At attached growth process. It development plan with industrial plant in Tuti-
ple for 1 year. present several technologies uses the whole tank volume these goals? corin, Tamil Nadu has re-
• Designed water and waste- like MBBR, OH Radical, for biomass growth. It uses Dr. Chaubey: The United cently been in news due to
water treatment plant to Volute, Forward Osmosis, and simple floating media, which Nations (UN) adopted the protests and the unfortu-
treat 10452 million liters per Scaleban are playing a very are carriers for the attached “Agenda 2030” with a total of nate death of 13 people in
annum which is equivalent important role in the treat- growth of biofilms. Biofilm 17 Sustainable Development subsequent police firing.
to provide drinking water to ment of complex industrial carrier movement is caused Goals (SDGs) in September What are the learnings
5.7 million people for 1 year. effluent. By using above tech- by the agitation of air bubbles. 2015 to end poverty, protect from this overall episode?
Currently, more than 100 nologies not only we are able This compact treatment sys- the planet, and ensure pros- Dr. Chaubey: From this
water & wastewater treat- to treat our effluent but also tem is effective in removal of perity for all. Our ambition is episode, we should learn that
ment plants are successful- able to achieve 100% recycling organic as well as nitrogen to achieve the “UN we must percolate the mas-
ly working in Asia, Africa, & reuse. We also able to and phosphorus while facili- Sustainable Development sage of good work done by a
Europe and America achieve reduction of power, tating effective solids separa- Goals" to transform our company for environmental
designed by me. chemical, footprint and capi- tion. world. To align our UPL pollution control in the nearby
• Contributed to get LEED tal cost by using above tech- Sustainable Development community. We must take
certification of 13 factories nologies. Let me brief you on What are the UN Sustain- Plan with UN Sustainable note of shifting trends in pub-
(Silver-10 nos. and Gold-3 some good technologies which able Development Goals Development Goals, our ambi- lic opinion about environmen-
nos.) we implemented recently: (SDGs)? tion is to reduce 30% environ- tal sustainability and reputa-
• Published more than 50 Scale Ban recycle ETP Dr. Chaubey: In mental footprint in our manu- tional consequences of not
technical papers - related to treated water into cooling September 2015, more than facturing plants by 2020. doing so. We should not go on
sustainability, environment, tower up to 1,00,000 ppm 190 countries signed up to the satisfying only government
water, and wastewater TDS. This will reduce cooling UN Global Goals for How is UPL contributing to authorities regarding environ-
treatment. water demand and decrease Sustainable Development reducing its environmental mental compliances but we
treated wastewater discharge (Global Goals), which set out a footprint? should also spread awareness
How do you think ‘sustain- in our operating plants. vision for ending poverty, Dr. Chaubey: Since we in the nearby communities
ability’ contributes to a OH radical technology is hunger, inequality and pro- implemented UPL regarding good work done by
business? advance oxidation technology tecting the Earth’s natural Sustainable development plan the company for environmen-
Dr. Chaubey: Again, I to treat high TDS (70000 resources by 2030. UPL also in 2015-16, we are able to tal pollution control.
became very excited about the or the product standard that So that is actually a major exist, and it is not known what
industry even with the OEM we have to maintain is still an achievement… will happen to the case in
also. We started with the trad- area of concern. Mr. Trivedi: Yes, and absence of such an associa-
ing of the components and along with that, we conducted tion, it voluntarily decided to
slowly moved to the OEMs. Please give us a back- a lot of programmes also. We take the case and fight it. So, We should stick to
Since we were keen on cus- ground of WQIA for our conducted programmes in we took the case in the inter- the minimum
tomization, we were the first readers, and its activities Gujarat, Mumbai, etc. We est of all the members of our
choice of all the OEMs and in the past 2-3 years. trained company team staff association. norms and product
ODMs to get their compo- Mr. Trivedi: WQIA (Water members too. We have worked standards for water
nents. We used to provide Quality India Association) was with almost all large organiza- What is the status of the
them with customized solu- incepted in 2014, in mid-2014. tions. We train their sales case right now? that is used for
tions for their needs. That’s Earlier, it was in the form of a team and service team for Mr. Trivedi: As I either drinking, or
how we started and slowly task force. The legal entity basic water treatment, etc. explained earlier also, that a
moved to the manufacturing Water Quality India couple of applications got treatment. I would
of complete unit systems. So Association was formed in So can you give me a figure added to this case later. Last request water
right now from components, mid-2014. The need of this of how many people you year, they have added one
we are complete manufactur- kind of formation is basically must have trained? more application stating that
professionals to
ers of systems for OEMs and to create a legal entity so that Mr. Trivedi: We have BIS merge should be made take the advantage
ODMs. Today, we are like one one can represent their activi- trained more than 500 people mandatory since standards
of the largest OEM and ODM ty or in case of legal require- and this year around we are available now. And they
of training
manufacturers in India as we ment, it should have that legal intend to train 500 more. should put some standards programmes that
are catering to almost 10-12 entity. Otherwise, it was diffi- Another thing that we have that RO should produce a
brands. cult for us to take it to the gov- done in last 1 year, a break- minimum of a particular TDS
we are conducting
ernment or BIS, for any kind through that we have done water. They also want a lot of in the interest of
So you have come a long of issue related to the indus- majorly is the NGT case which things to be listed on the prod-
way from then and now. try. It was difficult for us to the Association is reporting. ucts.
their business and
How will you summarize take it to any legal identity in the interest of
your experience? What are without having the guarantee. So if you can give me a What is WQIA’s take on it if consumers.
the biggest changes you Therefore, it was decided by background on the case as you could summarize it?
have seen in the market? all the members to have such to what it is all about. Mr. Trivedi: WQIA is
Mr. Trivedi: There have an entity which was finally Mr. Trivedi: There is an working on this right now. As
been huge changes in the mar- formed in September 2014. NGO that has filed the case far as certification of the prod- very high. If the product is
ket. It has a current growth of And the mission was kept to with a request that RO should ucts is concerned, yes, defi- more beneficial for the con-
20% to 30%. But it has been have reliable source and infor- be banned because it is wast- nitely, every member is in the sumers, it can help the gov-
always growing. And particu- mation, ethical practices, and ing a lot of water. interest of the consumers and ernment also since it is not
larly awareness is now wit- education & training. Keeping as the code of conduct or able to provide pure drinking
nessing growth like never that in mind, it was decided When did this happen? ethics, the goal of the organi- water to every human being.
before. People understand the that we would have this Mr. Trivedi: This hap- zation is to give good products So, we requested the govern-
need for purification. Still, I Association, and we will work pened around 2 years back. to the consumers. But there ment and we took up this
would say a major concern is on all those areas. They filed the case stating are certain limitations also issue with all GST committee
the penetration level which is that RO should be banned as it that we need to address too. and councils and the members
very low compared to what it Can you give us a few ex- is wasting a lot of water and it We are trying to find out ways and they have accepted our
should be ideally. Still, it is not amples? is harmful to the environment. of how it could be done. For proposal. Thankfully, our
in double digits. It is floating Mr. Trivedi: After the for- These two were the major instance, in one of the stan- product was slotted in 18%
between 10% to 11%. I would mation, we immediately concerns. But later on, the dards, Live Cyst Test is given water purifiers categories
say we are at par with wash- launched a product certifica- NGO has added a couple of to be tested for RO standards. against all consumer durables
ing machine penetration. It is tion standard which was very applications to their case say- If you want to go for RO certi- of 28%. QWP (Qualified Water
still an area of concern, but affordable compared to other ing that the water has been fication, that facility is not Professionals) Programme is
when compared to the previ- internal standards available used for the cricket ground, available in India. Even if it is another achievement. The
ous figures of 1% to 2%, the for 15 to 10 lakhs rupees. We and it should not be used for available somewhere, it is very basic understanding is that if
growth is considerable. Still, came out with standards that it, or the kind of water avail- costly which no one can you are new to the water
there is a huge scope. When I you could obtain in around 5 able is not good. Community afford. We have submitted our industry, or if you have joined
compare the situation with lakhs or below 5 lakhs rupees. projects which government is response with the NGT trying a job and you don’t know what
the times when we had start- For product certification, if installing,, there they should to take a stand which is in the is to be done, this programme
ed entering this business, a lot you applied for international impose some restrictions. So, balance of entire industry - will help you to understand
of innovation has come into standards, since there were there are a couple of applica- both the small manufacturers how the industry works. So,
the market. The two major no Indian standards available tions that the NGO came up and the large manufacturers. the Qualified Water
areas of concern as an associ- at that time, it charged more with and the application was Professionals programme
ation are that the market pen- than 20 to 30 lakhs rupees given to the RO manufactur- What was the role of WQIA gives them a broad idea.
etration is still very low and against what we came out ers association. This kind of in the GST? Currently, the programme
secondly the technical ability with in accordance with the association does not exist in Mr. Trivedi: On behalf of duration is four hours.
is also very low, and the entry Indian conditions, which is in the country. So again in the the Association, we have rep-
and exit is very easy in this accordance with the Indian interest of the members of our resented a request to the gov- What will be your role as
industry. There are particular needs and which is available Association, The WQIA took ernment to reduce the tax the President of WQIA?
norms that are not available. at 5 lakhs or below 5 lakhs the decision that since this structure as earlier it was the Mr. Trivedi: The major
Due to that, the product level rupees. kind of association does not excise and VAT that was going activity that I would like to
take up is sticking to the core water sector or water indus- going to work on both fronts WQIA creating awareness Are you planning any
activities like training, educa- try is concerned, I still see and we wish to cover the on water quality and stan- events in 2018 and 2019?
tion, having product stan- scope for growth. The pene- entire gamut of the water dards? Mr. Trivedi: In 2018-2019,
dards and certifications. The tration is still very low. industry where we can pro- Mr. Trivedi: To members we have started with QWP
main task that I would want to Government, infrastructure, vide them with trained profes- or non-member companies, and solicitation programmes.
take is that whichever activity CSR, if you look at all the sionals. our people are approaching to We have planned to train at
we are doing, the advantage areas, there is still ample create awareness of the stan- least 500 people for QWP pro-
should be taken to the grass scope for growth in the water dards that should be available. gramme. And similarly, there
root level as we have reached industry, and that can be any WQIA Milestones This year, we intend to take are certified trained techni-
the water fraternity, whether segment whether it is drink- • Organized six WQIA help of CII, FICCI, and gov- cians, around 200, which we
they are members or non- ing water, or water treatment, industry meetings in ernment organizations related want to train for the country.
members. Any activity being or the STP, or ETP - in all the Bangalore, Ahmedabad, to drinking water and envi- Currently, we are starting
worked upon such as stan- segments it is still growing Chennai, Delhi, Goa and ronment to help us and work with the Residential Service
dards, programmes, or train- and it is likely to grow rapidly Mumbai in last 3 years. out programmes that reach Technician Programme and
ing programmes, will be open for maybe another 10 years. • Currently 32 Gold mem- the ground-level understand- Certified Service Technician
for non-members also. There Looking at this growth, WQIA bers/associates and 141 ing. Not only national bodies Programme. We will be start-
may be some price differentia- would see how it can bring in ordinary members. like CII and FICCI, we will ing with Bangalore, Mumbai,
tion, but we want to make this. innovation because as growth • Development of new take help from local bodies Ahmedabad, Delhi, Tamil
Earlier it was for members happens, you need to make standards for product cer- like Rotary Clubs and Lions Nadu, and Chennai. We will
only, now we want to make it the technology affordable to tification. Club as they conduct such try to cover all big cities in the
for non-members also. the users. If you see the news kind of programmes. We will first phase and then given the
Ultimately, we also want to which feature water scarcity, reach out to NGOs to help our opportunity to tie up with the
take advantage. Our purpose recycling of water, STP, and I will now come to the part members and to help create regional associations, we will
is to take this down to every the need for water, affordabili- about the WQIA member- awareness within the commu- take it to the Tier 2 cities. We
individual, every organization ty is a major concern why peo- ship benefits. What are the nity. So not only national pro- plan to have our convention
irrespective of whether they ple are not opting for it. So benefits of being a WQIA grammes, we will go to the somewhere in August. Other
are members or non-mem- reaching that, bringing those member? regional level programmes. than that, in association with
bers. That is the first thing I kinds of innovations that can Mr. Trivedi: The person We are working out ways to IAPMO and CII, we wish to
will do. be connected with the right who becomes a member of find out how we can be helpful conduct some programmes,
people, is what we can bring WQIA gets the advantage of to the regional associations as not only training and educa-
Please tell us about the re- through the platform of gaining knowledge about the they are a big strength of the tion but more of social aware-
cent MoU signed between WQIA. People must come to water industry. They get an local members. We want to ness programmes related to
WQIA and IAPMO India. know that this kind of technol- opportunity to network with take them into the main- water conservation with a
What were the objectives ogy is available. Even if you the members of the same fra- stream through our training couple of NGOs and other
of this agreement? want it in a commercial place, ternity, have business expan- programs and seminars so bodies.
Mr. Trivedi: Major objec- it can be converted. So that is sion as we give huge opportu- that the advantage can go
tive to sign MoU with IAPMO one aspect. nities through the website down to the basic level. Your message for water
India is better management of where we have published professionals in India as
the Associations because On a broader level, how do membership lists. Anyone What are the biggest chal- President of WQIA.
IAPMO India already has its you see the role of WQIA in who wants to purchase certi- lenges WQIA faces right Mr. Trivedi: I would say
presence in the country, and the coming 2-3 years? fied or good quality products now? that associations are life-
they have good experience in Mr. Trivedi: We have can approach good suppliers. Mr. Trivedi: The challenge savers for a code of conduct. I
managing these associations. already begun with our activi- We have provided facility to all is getting everyone in India to would expect that every mem-
We have taken their help to ties like training and educa- the members to connect join us in whatever activities ber or non-member should fol-
manage our association. The tion. Right now, we have start- through WhatsApp services we are doing. I would say the low ethical practices since we
strategic guidelines and ed with the QWP 1 and we which helps in generating main challenge is to create are serving the industry for a
inputs have been borrowed intend to upgrade that in a business leads. It helps them awareness. Though we have good cause.
from WQIA only and IAPMO year or two to QWP 6. in business development, net- worked out many plans, tak- We must not dilute that
will work accordingly. The Starting from the basic water working, etc. They can take ing it to the ground level is a cause. We should stick to the
day-to-day activities will be understanding, we will go to advantage of our education big challenge. Passing on the minimum norms and product
managed by IAPMO. the level where the person is programmes and training pro- advantages to the ground level standards for water that is
technically qualified. Today, grammes. We conduct two is another biggest challenge. used for either drinking or
What is the duration of there is a shortage of techni- meetings in a year of which As you can see, it is not a treatment. I would request
this MoU? cally qualified manpower. The they can be a part. Not only proper organization. them to take the advantage of
Mr. Trivedi: Currently, we first thing is how we can help these, they can be a part of the Everyone needs to come vol- training programmes that we
have signed it for one year. our members in the industry Association too if they have untarily. are conducting in the interest
Definitely, it will extend to a to train and educate their peo- the zeal to do something for Thirdly, there are a lot of of their business and in the
couple of years based on the ple and making technically the water fraternity. We pro- good professional pro- interest of consumers. Once
mutual comfort. certified people available to vide the opportunity to the grammes that we have con- they have their qualified per-
them. We will create a force of members to be a part of the ducted and we know there is a sonnel, that will be an advan-
I will come to the water skilled people for the industry sub-committee. They can be need for awareness of such tage for them. And similarly,
sector now. How do you in terms of both technical abil- members and they can serve professional programmes. But the consumer will also be ben-
see the future of Indian ity and after sales course. We the industry. to convey the importance of efitted with the help of trained
water sector as President will upgrade to industrial these programmes within and people which will ultimately
of WQIA? ETP/ STP. So it will be gener- Now I will come to the outside the membership is help in the growth of business
Mr. Trivedi: As far as al as well as technical. We are awareness part. How is another challenge. and industry.
flooding? And how much tem. As our cities are major is caused by three main fac- Concretization of surfaces, c)
should we blame on our ur- international centers for trade tors - meteorological factors, Loss of holding ponds/low
ban planning and prac- and commerce, they are hydrological factors and lying areas to development, d)
tices? densely populated, and an human factors. Construction in low lying
Prof. Gupta: The term urban flood affects a large Meteorological factors include areas, e) Blockage of drainage
urban flood consists of two number of people in a very heavy rainfall, cyclonic channels, and f)
parts "urban" and flood". An small area. In addition, there storms, and thunderstorms. Encroachment on drainage
urban area has been defined is inundation and damage to Major hydrological factors channels/river floodplains.
as (according to Census of vital infrastructure, disrup- include presence or absence The indiscriminate disposal of
India 2011): (a) All statutory tion to rail, road, and air serv- of overbank flow channel net- solid waste into the urban
places with a municipality, ices, thereby affecting all works and occurrence of high water drains and channels is a
corporation, cantonment walks of life. tide impeding the drainage. major impediment to water
board or notified town area Urban flooding often leads Human factors include land flow during the monsoon.
committee, etc; or (b) All to major economic losses use changes, surface sealing Unfortunately, very few
other places satisfying all which have both local and due to urbanization which urban planners are aware that
three conditions: i) a mini- global implications. increases run-off, occupation water channels should be left
mum population of 5,000; ii) Outbreaks of diseases is of the floodplains and obstruc- alone. The old drawings show
at least 75 percent of male another major hazard after a tion of the flood flows, urban only property boundaries
working population engaged major urban flood. In rural heat island effect which has without showing the water
in non-agricultural pursuits; flooding the flood extent may increased the rainfall in and channels/drainage paths.
and iii) a density of population be quite large, there may be areas surrounding the urban They should draw up the
Prof. Kapil Gupta, Department of of at least 400 per sq. km. agricultural losses but the areas, sudden release of water development plan only after
Civil Engineering, Indian Institute Flood is defined as "an over- number of people affected is from dams located upstream physically visiting the site and
of Technology Bombay flow of a large body of water not much in comparison to of citizen towns and even fail- clearly demarcating the water
over areas not usually inun- urban areas. ure to release water from bodies and water channels.
It is now recognized that dated". Thus, flooding in Moreover, the flood peaks dams resulting in backwater
the urban flooding is very urban areas is caused by in urban areas are about 2-8 effect. The causes of urban Why are we seeing fewer
different from other intense and/or prolonged rain- times and flood volumes are 6 flooding are well documented, but more intense rainy
floods. What are the rea- fall which overwhelms the times the predevelopment the main causes being: a) days which, in a way, are
sons and causes of urban capacity of the drainage sys- (rural) levels. Urban flooding Rapid urbanization, b) behind these flood crisis?
Prof. Gupta: The IPCC Can you tell us about simi- faced and resurfaced several the affected area, there would tent personnel to operate the
(Intergovernmental Panel on lar best practices and proj- times thereby increasing the be a delay of about 20 minutes flood forecasting systems as
Climate Change) has indicat- ects from around the world levels of the road above the (in Mumbai) for the water to well as the operation of the
ed that we are going to wit- - which we can replicate in plinth levels. The Indian flow from the upstream rain gates of reservoirs and dams
ness increased rainfall in our country, in part or full? Roads Congress has recom- side to the downstream side. within a watershed area is
smaller amounts of time Prof. Gupta: Best manage- mended that whenever a road So, if we know that heavy rain- required. This should be
which means that our existing ment practices such as the has to be resurfaced, the exist- fall is happening at the developed similar to the air
drainage systems have to be construction of storage tanks ing layer should be scraped upstream point, we have a 20- traffic control dedicated staff.
redesigned to accommodate either at the rooftop level, at through and then the new minute lead time to inform the
the flows that will be coming the intermediate level, at the layer should be laid so that the people living in the down- Last year, the Massachu-
in from the increased rainfall. ground level or underground. plinth level and the road level stream area that a heavy rain- setts Institute of Technol-
These can be done by resizing Storage/Holding ponds are maintained to the pre- fall is happening and that the ogy (MIT)’s Urban Risk Lab
the drains where possible and should also be provided at development levels. river levels are likely to rise. had launched a flood re-
by judiciously providing best judicious locations to store Mumbai has also devel- 20 minutes is enough time, as porting app called
management practices into water during heavy rainfall so oped a flood drainage master was in the case of Mumbai RiskMap - where people af-
the drainage infrastructure. that it does not cause down- plan and it is being slowly during the 2013 heavy rainfall fected by flooding and wa-
stream flooding. The water implemented. event, for the people to evacu- terlogging can add their
Why our cities are not pre- can be released gradually ate with their belongings. location, flood depth &
pared for these extreme once the rain subsides. Porous MCGM (Municipal Corpo- photos, etc which could be
rainfalls with sufficient pavements have been imple- ration of Greater Mumbai) What are the significant seen by other residents as
drainage systems? What mented in various cities has identified parts of infrastructural changes well as government offi-
should be done to aug- around the world. These allow Mumbai and its suburbs that should be made in ur- cials. Do you think we can
ment the drainage capac- the water to gradually infil- which are more prone to ban areas’ planning at the develop more of similar
ity of a big city? trate into the underlying soil urban flooding. What macro and micro levels? apps and services?
Prof. Gupta: The Ministry thereby maintaining the pre- should be done at such Prof. Gupta: At the Prof. Gupta: An app is
of Urban Development is yet development sub-soil water identified spots to prevent macro-level, reserved green only as good the developer of
to bring out a dedicated man- conditions. or reduce the damage of spaces should not be dere- the app and the understand-
ual on urban drainage. Several best management floods? served. Adequately sized ing of the user. The user
They had started the work practices have been practiced Prof. Gupta: With current drains should be provided for should be prepared to act on
8 years ago but are yet to in India in the past. We have available instrumentation at least 1 in 10 year/25 year/50 the information provided in
release it. The old manual forgotten these. We should technology and information year design period. At the the app. One should remem-
specifies that cities be wake up and revise the simple on the internet, it is quite easy micro-level, people should ber that power supply is the
designed for at most once in 2 practices like storage of water to forecast an urban flood and install one or more of the best first casualty of urban flood-
years flood - which means our in rainwater tanks, rooftop issue early warnings. For management practices in ing and the user may be left
drains will overflow every two storage, underground tank example, Mumbai Municipal their apartment blocks/resi- without power/charge in his
years! This needs to be storage, temple tanks, recre- Corporation has installed 60 dential estates/institutional phone to update the app.
increased to at least once in ational holding ponds in parks automatic weather stations areas.
10/25/50 years. The and residential estates, etc. for recording the rainfall Anything else which you
Netherlands is upping it from every 15 minutes. This infor- The Government of India is would like to add, looking
once in 100 to once in 1000 Mumbai and Chennai are mation is disseminated focusing a lot on the Smart at the upcoming monsoon
years event. India’s two big flood-prone through the GMDMA City projects right now. season here?
metro cities. What should (Greater Mumbai Disaster How can a smart city in- Prof. Gupta: The people
Only 50% of the Nether- be the plan for an effective Management Authority) web clude a master plan in should also not dump debris
lands is more than a few ‘Storm & Flood Water Man- portal in real -time during the readiness for the urban in the stormwater drains.
feet above sea level. Major agement’ in your opinion, monsoon. Water level meas- floods? Destruction of holding ponds
floods have occurred there for such coastal cities? urements can be made on the Prof. Gupta: Only a small and green areas should be
for hundreds of years. Ten Prof. Gupta: To avoid receiving river or drain using fraction of a city is being cov- controlled. In most cities, we
years ago, they developed urban flooding, several infra- ultrasonic water level meters. ered under smart cities. The see that after the flood water
the concept of “room for structural improvements are The methodology that should practices mentioned earlier recedes breakout of epidemics
the rivers”, in which they required. First, the existing be adopted is - one can look at are adequate if implemented such as malaria, chikungunya,
give more space to the wa- drainage path should be well the satellite maps for move- in the proper spirit. dengue propagated by mos-
ter. Can we build similar demarcated. There should be ment of weather systems, one quitoes and leptospirosis due
flood protection systems no encroachments on the nat- can simultaneously monitor We hear about so many ad- to mixing of rat’s urine with
in our cities? What could ural drainage channel in the the Indian meteorological vanced methods and tech- water. So, immediately after
be the practical challenges city. Secondly, we see that a department's 'Nowcasting’ niques on flood forecast- the floods, people should take
and solutions? large number of bridges, fly- forecasts. Looking at the ing systems which already measures such as consuming
Prof. Gupta: Definitely. overs, and metro projects are satellite, one can estimate exist (for prediction, data boiled water or if possible,
The people living in the flood- being constructed and the when the rainfall or heavy assimilation, and post-pro- bottled water to avoid these
plains and low lying areas will columns are located in the rainfall is likely to take place. cessing, etc.), why are we diseases and also to avoid gas-
need to be relocated or they existing drainage channels. Once the rainfall takes place, not able to implement troenteritis. Water should not
should construct at least These can be avoided using automatic weather stations them in our operational be allowed to stagnate to pre-
above the high flood level and proper engineering designs record the rainfall and simul- systems? What is your ad- vent breeding of mosqui-
provide sufficient waterway such as cantilever construc- taneously, the flow gauges are vice for the researchers toes.And the guidelines on
for the floods. Our local lead- tion thereby preventing block- also recording the water level. and operational forecast- urban flood disaster manage-
ers should be made aware of age of existing drainage Now, by the time the water ers? ment can be downloaded from
this and with their support, widths. One more thing that is falls on the rain gauge and it Prof. Gupta: A dedicated www.ndma.gov.in. It is advis-
this can happen. seen is that the roads are sur- reaches the river or stream of team of trained and compe- able to read them.
THE BEEMAN PARK subdivi- Due to the relatively flat ele- streets have caused deteriora-
sion, one of Orange County’s vation of the south portion of tion of the limestone roadway
oldest neighborhoods, was plat- the subdivision and lack of base course under the asphalt
ted and constructed in the stormwater infrastructure, pavement, which has created
1920’s with very limited localized street flooding can numerous potholes in several
stormwater infrastructure dur- occur within the Beeman Park areas (Figure 2).
ing area development. Sue and Sue Harbor neighborhoods The subdivision also lacks
Harbor subdivision, on the during rainfall events. The curbing or the existing curbing
other hand, platted in the 1970's majority of the street flooding is in poor condition along most
includes more traditional concerns are in the Beeman of the roadways with the excep-
stormwater conveyance fea- Park area, near the roadway tion of Sue Harbor Cove. Some
tures such as curb and gutter as intersections and around the of the curbings have also been
well as and curb inlets. Both of Woodlawn Drive/ Lake Sue heaved by nearby tree roots,
these neighborhoods are within Drive vicinity area. Over time causing damage to the curbing
close proximity (Figure 1). the standing water in the as well as impeding drainage Figure 3: Tree Heaving, No Curbing
along the roadway flow paths.
Additionally, the tree roots have drainage, non-existing curbing, than the roadways and some
also heaved or cracked the side- tree growth into the paving residences have 3-4 feet of con-
walk in several areas, primarily areas, and flooding among oth- crete, wooden, or brick retain-
within the Beeman Park subdi- ers. ing wall(s) which would be
vision (Figure 3). Moreover, the The first prospective solu- impacted by any proposed curb
sidewalk ramps do not meet tion is to remove tree con- or gutter solution given the lack
current Orange County, Florida straints to allow for a holistic of easement and narrow road-
Department of Transportation solution but this was not some- way. These boundary condi-
(FDOT) or Americans with thing the affected resident tions compounded with lack of
Disabilities Act (ADA) stan- desired; however, the utility(ies) areas for water retention
dards for handicap access. within limited roadway right of reduced the options for many
The area is occupied with way, would result in construc- solutions except a combination
mostly affluent residents who tion rehabilitation impacting of odds and ends improve-
are happy with their natural resident yards. The elevation of ments. As part of project evalu-
Figure 1: Location Map environment, of many trees, yards in many places are higher ation a detailed topographic
narrow street and somewhat
private and low traffic neigh-
borhoods. However, due to
many deficiencies which poses
safety hazards to the older and
younger residents alike, such as
walkers and joggers as well as
the standing water nuisance
due to improper drainage as
well as the roadway needing
resurfacing are all issues that
needed to be addressed. It
would not be prudent to resur-
face the subdivision without
addressing all the affected
Figure 2: Standing Water infrastructures such as Figure 4: Exfiltration System
The StormTech
chambers are
designed to
easily split the
system into
multiple beds,
allowing design
engineers to pipe, providing a comprehensive lished a leading position in many
direct the pipe to suite of water management prod- of these end markets by leveraging
ground.” stand loads from heavy con- ucts and superior drainage solu- its national sales and distribution
"Designs using the pipe or struction equipment such as
multiple tions for use in the construction platform, its overall product
other sub-surface detention cranes, concrete pumps, and locations where and infrastructure marketplace. breadth and scale and its manu-
systems would have required dump trucks." Its innovative products are used facturing excellence.
larger excavations. Using the
the water is across a broad range of end mar- Founded in 1966, the company
chambers proved to be cost- Advanced Drainage stored until it is kets and applications, including operates a global network of
effective and provided a struc- Systems (ADS) is the leading non-residential, residential, agri- approximately 57 manufacturing
turally robust design, which manufacturer of high-perform-
infiltrated back culture and infrastructure appli- plants and over 33 distribution
was required in order to with- ance thermoplastic corrugated into the ground. cations. The company has estab- centers.
“
space. Building the submersible can resume.
pump directly into the floodgate • If river levels are high at the
means that the function of a same time as a high tide, the
floodgate can be combined with pumps can be started to force Flooding is the main problem in many areas
the function of a pumping sta- water through the floodgate in Jakarta, and one of them is Poglar, where
tion and reservoir. to the sea, at the same time as
The floodgate and screen tidal pressure is held back. flooding is a common issue because of high
can be opened to discharge the Three gates and six pumps tides. It is not easily overcome due to
retained water by gravity flow. have been installed at Poglar. geographical conditions.Therefore, one of
And if the water outside the The existing waterway where
floodgate gets higher, the Pump the Pump Gate is installed has a the strategic programmes of the
Gate can be closed to block channel width of 12 m and a Government of Indonesia is to minimize
backflow. If the retained water height of 4 m. Under normal flood damage through integrated water
reaches a certain level, the conditions, water levels varied
pump starts operating to from a low of 0.6 m to a high of resource management.We needed high
forcibly discharge the retained 2.5 m. Installed are six sub- technology and a perfect solution, so
water. mersible pumps capable of 6 Grundfos was selected as our business
The Grundfos Pump Gate Solution m3/h flow and 4.2 m head.
was the Most Suitable for Poglar, This approach offers tangi- Integrating the pumps into partner.
Considering the Limited Land ble benefits: the floodgates means there are
Area Required and the Flow • No need for extra land with no requirements for other Toni Sudarsono
Field Supervisor, Water Resources Management, Public Works
Conditions from the Angke River the costly process of land parts, such as a column pipe
Department, Jakarta
in Poglar, Indonesia acquisition, legal delays and and a separate water gate. As
to use less water, very often tend not to seek help when sues age the development of tech-
they find doing so is surpris- they are experiencing difficul- Before continuing our dis- nologies that help us use water
ingly easier than they initially ties, whether it involves their cussion, I must say I am not a far more efficiently and - very
thought. Maybe the car isn’t land, their business, or their psychologist and likely have no important - make sure people
washed as often as before; emotional lives. And if they do, more training in this field than are aware of these technolo-
transferring from 15-minute they are often frowned upon most of the people reading this gies. Being aware that steps
showers to five-minute show- by their neighbors. article. However, some steps are being taken to help us
ers wasn’t as hard as antici- For instance, during the can be taken that should help reduce consumption, use
pated; and while vegetation just mentioned Dust Bowl of minimize the emotional water more wisely, eliminate
may suffer, very often people the 1930s, government agen- impacts of droughts, both in water waste, remove some of
use the drought as an opportu- cies started delivering food rural areas of the world as well the traditional ways we use
nity to install landscaping that and supplies to rural people as in urban areas. The three water - for instance by replac-
Klaus Reichardt requires less water, and with and farmers struggling to get that are most important are ing water using urinals with
it, far less care, time, and by. While these people wel- education, technology, and no-water urinals - or turning
TYPICALLY, WHEN WE dis- attention. comed and almost always realization. seawater into drinking water
cuss droughts impacting dif- But those living in rural needed the supplies, what they far less expensively than in the
ferent parts of the world, our areas often find drought con- did not welcome were the Education past, brings people hope.
discussion is about the follow- ditions much more difficult to brown trucks that delivered In many parts of the world, When people have faith, they
ing: cope with. A great deal of this them. Their neighbors would drought conditions are viewed see the future as brighter.
• What steps governments is because these people use see the brown trucks and as temporary. “We’re going
and communities are taking the land, in one of many ways, ridicule these recipients for through a drought now, but Realization
to cope with drought condi- as the source of their liveli- not being more self-sufficient. things should be better next Finally, we must recognize
tions hood. And to make this work, This ridicule along with year.” That is something we that droughts can take a
• What industries are affect- for them to generate income their stoicism further margin- hear people frequently say severe toll on people and their
ed and how they are dealing and meet their costs and alized these people, especially during drought conditions. mental health. While the two
with it expenses, their land invariably the men. Men are supposed to But what we see more and steps just mentioned can help
• Data, such as how much needs water, and all too often, be the breadwinners for their more of is that droughts are ease the situation, much more
potable water is in dams and plenty of it. If water is in short families, especially at that lasting longer, are often more may be necessary, especially in
how much water there is supply, anxieties and an array time. If they are not able to do serious, and even more, reflect rural areas of the world, to
now compared to one or of emotional problems can this and their neighbors see changing climate conditions. help people handle such situa-
more years ago soon result. this, then for many, their self- In other words, some of tions. This includes more than
• If the drought might be But let’s look at this situa- value has been reduced or today’s “droughts” are actually just those living in rural areas,
related to climate change tion in greater detail. eliminated. reflections of the “new nor- but people living in developed
• What water restrictions are People in rural communi- Often, they are then placed mal.” regions, emerging countries,
in place along with other ties, indigenous groups, and in a no-win situation as to their We need to educate people as well as third-world areas.
steps being taken to reduce those that depend on their mental health. If mental health starting at a very young age in Mental health facilities and
consumption land for their livelihood, tend services are available in rural both rural and urban areas resources must be available to
• How people have managed to be very stoic. There is a cul- and farming communities, that the generous ways we those impacted by drought.
to “carry on,” but doing so ture of self-reliance in these which they often are not, and consumed water in the past Mood disorders caused by
using far less water. areas of the world. We wit- their neighbors find out they may be coming to an end. An droughts can and have caused
But one aspect of droughts nessed examples of this sto- are seeking help for emotional unlimited supply, and in many physical illness, and to a lesser
that does not get as much icism in North America during issues, they are further cases, a very inexpensive extent, violence and even sui-
attention as it should is how what was called “The Dust mocked and frowned upon. unlimited amount of water, cide. Mental health facilities
droughts can impact people Bowl,” which was the result of The same can and does may no longer be the case in and resources can help pre-
emotionally. Possibly one rea- drought conditions that happen today in many parts of many parts of the world in the vent this.
son for this lack of discussion impacted much of the central the world, and because of this, 21st century. If people know
is the fact that most of the peo- U.S. during the 1930s. But sim- many of these people experi- this and realize this, then they About the Author
ple in the world are now living ilar examples of this stoicism ence serious mental health are often better able to cope Klaus Reichardt is a fre-
in moderate-sized to vast have been and are now found issues, all compounding their with drought conditions, with quent speaker and author on
urban areas. in rural and farming areas ability to address their situa- fewer emotional impacts. water conservation issues. He is
While those living in urban around the world. tion in more positive ways. Founder and CEO of Waterless
areas may fret and complain Stoic people, according to Technology Co. Inc., based in Vista,
about being asked or required several studies over the years, How to Address These Is- Another step is to encour- California, USA.
TODAY MORE THAN 2 bil- tively emerges as a priority in overly optimistic context does
lion people lack access to safe the list of requisites. keep people away from taking Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Project in Valenzuela,
drinking water. Demand for Imagine this scenario: A advantage of excellent oppor- Philippines
water is expected to increase comprehensive water trans- tunities especially considering The contract value of the order was around EUR 25 mil-
by nearly one-third by 2050 in mission, treatment, distribu- the current scenario of the lion and World Bank funded this project. WABAG designed
view of the burgeoning global tion model followed by com- global water industry. and built the 60,000 m3/d Valenzuela sewage treatment plant
population. This results in plete wastewater treatment Private financing (through for Maynilad Water Services Inc. using the activated sludge
accelerated consumption fol- incorporating efficient and infrastructure bonds) can aid process. The contract also included operation and mainte-
lowed by increasing environ- modern technologies, resilient in bridging the demand-sup- nance of the plant as part of performance proving period of
mental degradation due to the green infrastructure, and ply gap by supporting sustain- one year.
low percentage of sewage complete resource recovery able infrastructure with long
treated and the all-round with minimum footprint and project life. The state of infra-
impact of climate change. In conformance to global envi- structure in most of the water sector today. The situa- vative and guaranteed financ-
order to manage the challeng- ronmental standards. Couple emerging markets globally tion is further aggravated by ing model, for utilities, one
ing demand for our extremely this solution with low life- has been improved with such inefficient usage at the con- which augments their vision
valuable freshwater cycle cost, extremely good funding mechanisms. The sumer end which in turn for sustainable infrastructure
resources, setting up of sus- cost recovery and returns challenge faced by utilities in increases the cost defeating and capacity building, for con-
tainable water and waste- with maximum project life. terms of operational and the objective to bridge tractors, one which provides
water infrastructure coupled Sounds too good to be true? financial sustainability can be demand-supply gap. To sum weightage for technical
with capacity building to man- Maybe it isn’t. In fact, the largely alleviated by the up, the current scenario com- expertise, not just commercial
age such infrastructure effec- doubt that this may be an involvement of the private bines weak performance competitiveness and
enhances their accountability EXIM India. This project has Million) represents a leading multina- logical know-how, based on
and performance. ensured access to drinking • 19,200 m3/day WWTP in tional player with a workforce of innovative, patented technolo-
One such financing model water for over 7 lakh people in Polatli, Turkey funded by over 1,600 and has companies gies and long-term experience.
to benefit the water sector Tanzania. European Union and offices in more than 20 Since 1995, WABAG has
would be funding through the In addition to government- With a rise in funding countries. completed over 900 water and
Buyer’s credit mechanism. funded projects, WABAG has options globally, improving It disposes of unique techno- wastewater plants worldwide.
WABAG pioneered this initia- also been championing in outcomes, existing potential
tive and availed Buyer’s credit projects funded by multilater- as well as reducing costs with
(Commercial Credit) of EXIM al and bilateral institutions advent in relevant technolo- Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Near
Bank of India for a Drinking like World Bank, Asian gies, there is every reason to Ankara in Turkey
Water Project in Sri Lanka of Development Bank, Japan win the confidence of This project for the construction of Polatli
value 78 million USD. This International Cooperation investors, funding agencies Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wastewater Collection
project is an ideal combina- Agency, and European Union, and proven technology play- Network and Collectors”, had a total value of around EUR 13
tion of competitive financing etc. ers who want to expand in million. The plant was co-financed by the European Union
for an emerging market in • World Bank funded the global emerging markets with and the Republic of Turkey.
need of developing sustain- 60,000 m3/day STP in a vision to be partners in set- The project was related to the building of a new municipal
able water infrastructure by Valenzuela, Philippines and ting up sustainable infrastruc- wastewater treatment plant and sewerage network in Polatli,
partnering with a company 100,000 m3/day STP in ture. As thought leaders, it is a city with a population of 120,000, which is located in central
with proven technological Illugin, Philippines incumbent on us to initiate Anatolia in the vicinity of Ankara, the Turkish capital.
expertise which helped secure • JICA funded 140,000 discussions and drive actions The wastewater treatment plant is equipped with conven-
access to safe drinking water m3/day STP in Varanasi, at all relevant levels to move tional mechanical/biological treatment technology on the
for over 5 lakh people in Sri India under Ganga Action towards a more sustainable basis of the activated sludge process and also incorporated
Lanka. Plan and 90,000 m3/day management of water carbon and nitrogen removal. In addition, the plant is operat-
Moving over to the western STP in Bengaluru, India resources. It is this collective ed using aerobic sludge treatment, sludge dewatering, and a
hemisphere, WABAG also exe- • Asian Development Bank effort from all stakeholders biological waste air filter. The facility corresponds with EU
cuted a drinking water project (ADB) funded 32,400 that alone can help realize the regulations regarding environment-friendly wastewater
in Upper Ruvvu, Tanzania m3/day WWTP in 2030 vision of achieving uni- treatment and in particular with the Environmental Impact
under the line-of-credit from Guheswori, Nepal (EUR 20 versal and equitable access to Assessment Report.
safe and affordable drinking The treatment plant had a capacity of roughly 20,000
water for all coupled with m3/d. However, overall plant design and parts of the build-
Guheshwori WWTP Plant Project in Kathmandu, Nepal comprehensive wastewater ings and electro-mechanical equipment was designed and
This Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) project in treatment. installed to accommodate a planned subsequent extension to
Kathmandu, Nepal had the value of Rs. 141 crores (>18 million 27,800 m3/d.
Euro). The order was funded by the Asian Development As an internationally WABAG partnered with an experienced, local specialist
Bank (ADB) and included operation & maintenance of the respected expert group, WABAG company ECETAS for the completion of the “collection net-
WWTP for a period of 10 years. This was the second order is a systems specialist and full work and collectors” section of the contract. An optimized
secured by the company from Nepal, the first one being the service-provider with a focus on process design, the high quality of the quotation and last, but
Melamchi Water Treatment Plant order which was funded the planning, installation, and not least, the competitive offer proved convincing for the cus-
by JICA. operation of drinking and tomer. As a result, during an international tendering process,
The scope of the order included rehabilitation and expan- wastewater plants for local gov- the WABAG and ECETAS consortium was able to beat off
sion of wastewater treatment plant at Guheshwori in Nepal. ernment and industry in the challenges from twelve competitors.
WABAG carried out rehabilitation and expansion of the growth markets of Asia, Turkey invested roughly EUR 13 million in the project of
WWTP while the existing plant was kept operational. The North Africa, Middle East, which WABAG’s share will amount to some EUR 6 million.
salient feature of the plant included generation of power from the Central and Eastern The financing was provided by the national government and
biogas produced out of the sludge. Europe. The WABAG Group the EU within the framework of the IPA programme.
tion and pilots in Bhrigu’s pre- sors that exist in the market
vious job, he started gesture- but haven’t been successful
control services for response- and lacked mass adoption.
based marketing for clients, Touchless equipment in
using platforms such as washrooms in malls, hotels,
XTR3D, Leap Motion, and and offices have been preva-
Kinect. Combined with the lent for many years all over the
IoT, the initial goal was to put world. Yet there were none in
up a great show for an audi- the drinking water segment.
ence to market a brand in the There were some brands out-
offline events. side India that make touchless
This received great sup- equipment, but these were not
port and admiration but really compatible with how
lacked the ability to deliver most people across the world
actual value and improvement store and dispense drinking
of life. water.
Having imagined the tech- Wanting to expand on his
nology that could have such wife’s suggestion and explore
wide-ranging effects on socie- the market to better under-
ty, Bhrigu wanted to work on a stand the needs, Bhrigu then
problem that had not been started surveying and taking
solved adequately yet. Seeing feedback from more people.
that the technology was more Being clear about wanting
than just a novelty but lacked to solve an existing problem
mass appeal, Bhrigu started
leaning towards trying to iden-
tify everyday issues to solve
with this technology. It was at
this point that he saw large
scope for this kind of technolo-
gy in the healthcare sector in
India, and across the world.
Being an inventor by pas-
sion, he knew the technology
and the solution but couldn’t
yet identify where he wanted
to ideally implement this solu-
tion. instead of providing a solution
During a casual conversa- irrespective of the nuances of
tion, while lying in bed one day, the market, Bhrigu started
Bhrigu asked his wife “What with taking his design to a pro-
do you think would be useful totype stage.
for you at home or at your The first prototype was
office if you did not have to made at home using Atmega
Bhrigu Chadda, CEO - Realment Labs Private Limited touch it?” based Arduino and key
She replied ‘Washroom mechanical components with
The Story Behind the Inspi- out touching a button or a joy- from the tech-field, he had taps, dustbins, and drinking minimum cost. This was to try
ration stick. already seen similar gesture- water dispensers!’ and understand the actual
Project Almanac, a lesser This was the eureka control devices such as the Initially having been given working of the parts. This ini-
known Michael Bay movie was moment for the inventor and Microsoft Kinect earlier, how- the inspiration to the path of tial process brought with it a
the first breath of inspiration futurist Bhrigu Chadha. The ever, they lacked seamless and touchless technology by variety of unseen possibilities
behind the experimentation simplicity and yet graspable versatile implementation. Micheal Bays movie, Bhrigu in terms of improvement in
with touchless and gesture reality portrayed in the scene This sparked the process of had just been provided the parts and process. Yet, instead
control technologies for a inspired Bhrigu to not only let researching various other first very milestone on this of spending too much time on
young inventor in 2015. The his imagination run wild but available technologies to see if path by his wife in a casual the drawing board, Bhrigu
scene shows three nerdy also create this technology any could be fine-tuned to a conversation. decided to display this product
friends flying a drone using himself. finger level control. Research showed a variety and include the end-user in
just their hand gestures, with- Having been a veteran After some experimenta- of dustbins operated by sen- the innovative process by pro-
washing hands before inter- tems. Our solution, MoPure, being used to solve problems over a range of products as
acting with a drinking water overcomes these limitations. in an inexpensive manner. consultants for specific prod-
source like we do with food MoPure is cheaper, safer, The MoPure touchless dis- ucts. We can achieve all this
or other consumables which convenient and highly compat- penser package includes a because of our dedicated team
can then cause diarrhea, ible with the most commonly storage container (capable of and the precise delegation of
influenza, common cold, used drinking water dis- holding a 20-25 liters water work. Apart from this, we con-
pneumonia, abdominal pain, pensers globally. It will help in can), the integrated touchless tinue to focus on our in-house
stomach infections, allergic reducing the spread of infec- tap unit (removable for clean- R&D to provide more solu-
reactions, skin rashes, and tions in rural and urban areas. ing) and a 5V 2A DC power tions in the form of products
even pimples. The implementation of this supply adapter. or services to problems that
Yet, with time we have seen solution will see an improve- Remember - no touching haven’t been tackled before or
viding insights or reviews they a growth in the adoption of ment in the quality of life and equals more hygiene. addressed inefficiently previ-
had on the product. touchless technologies both increase in the education ously and to improve society in
Using this basic homemade locally and globally with a regarding sanitation. Big Break our own touchless way.
prototype, Bhrigu interacted slowly growing understanding Especially in schools and During the process of set-
with over 1400 urban decision- of sanitation and hygiene. hospitals where there are ting-up the manufacturing of Challenges Being Faced
makers via phone, WhatsApp, With more emphasis on the more contaminants as well as the product, we were lucky to Negotiating with investors
emails, surveys, and even exhi- process of carrying and trans- more vulnerable individuals, partner up with one of Indias to retain maximum control
bitions. He was pleasantly sur- mitting bacteria, people have there will be an improvement largest water dispenser manu- over the company becomes a
prised on seeing the support understood how unavoidable it compared to the current anal- facturers, Veeline Media Ltd. highly time-consuming
for the product with more ogy technologies being used. They have 25 years of man- process as trust levels are low
than 90% of the people We will notice that over a ufacturing experience along in India off-late. The focus of
acknowledging that the prob- period of time a simple solu- with a great R&D team to help the entire board in such times
lem was being solved. tion like this will not only us further with the manufac- moves away from R&D and
The responses and feed- improve individual life but turing process. They are cur- core development. To add to
back were recorded and evalu- also improve the productivity rently manufacturing our that, closing deals with organi-
ated to improve the product as and attendance of employees products and with growth zations and corporate is a long
well as to meet a convenient and students by reducing over time we see ourselves bureaucratic process in some
and acceptable price-point for their chances of falling ill com- expanding the range of prod- cases. Irrespective of the size,
the market. pared to the conventional ucts with their assistance. organizational clients take
Seeing an actual future for method. time to trust startup products
this specific product, finally, This is also something very Technology Behind the De- and delay their payments.
Bhrigu took the help of a busi- useful for the people who have vice Future challenges in retail
ness consultant to further infants and young children. Ours is a hardware product might even include the fight
understand the market, and The reduction in germs, that using proprietary mechanisms over space, and a consumer
applied for a provisional can be in everyday life. People they are exposed to, would for controlling the flow of goods startup would require a
patent. come across a range of differ- improve the health of these drinking water externally heavy financial muscle to be
This is when Bhrigu quit ent germs when interacting children. The touchless option using a microcontroller and able to get into that segment.
his job and together with with other people, touching has also proved to be conven- electro-magnetic actuators.
Mohith Manjunath, an already commonly interacted-with ient in households, especially Remarkable Highlights
seasoned entrepreneur with surfaces, using toilets, han- while cooking and handling Growth Strategy We are recognized by DIPP
over 9 years of experience in dling cash, and other public uncooked food. At the core of the company, Startup India and Karnataka
successful entrepreneurship, interfaces. We want to create a culture Realment Labs is an R&D Biotechnology and
formed Realment Labs Private As a result, modern wash- of improved sanitation in our company. We have been work- Information Technology
Limited to forever change the rooms are equipped with drinking water eco-system ing on a range of different Services (KBITS) for our inno-
landscape of the tech market touchless faucets, soap dis- and educate the public about products and fields using vation. We are supported by
using touchless technologies. pensers, and hand dryers. touchless solutions. To deliver touchless and other forms of the DERBI Foundation, an
The first target was to start Some airports, western hospi- a social impact, we are looking technologies. There are a vari- incubator affiliated to DST.
with the production and mar- tals, and universities also have to collaborate with organiza- ety of new innovations cur- We were the top 10 finalists in
keting of their first product touchless drinking water foun- tions and individuals who rently in the pipeline that we Headstart Kickstart contest in
the, MoPure - Touchless tains and bottle filling stations. would like to contribute to the are testing on and improving. May 2017 in South India.
Dispensers for Drinking Realment Labs has created implementation of this touch- Due to our range of expertise, We have participated in big
Water. MoPure (touchless drinking less healthcare solution in var- we have chosen a multi- trade shows recently with our
water dispensers) to be able to ious parts of India in govern- pronged strategy. Firstly, our beta version, such as India
What Does it Do? solve this same problem but m e n t objective is to show substan- Manufacturing Show and
Problems which we are with a cheaper and more ver- schools/hospitals/offices/rural tial traction in the B2B and Invest in Karnataka
addressing: satile solution. It uses a establishments. B2C segment of our current Tradeshow.
• We see people in offices, patent-pending technology The long-term goals product. Secondly, we sell our We have received over 1000
hospitals, schools and even that dispenses drinking water encompass the further educa- technology via licensing and pre-production inquiries from
at home using water dis- through a tap just by placing a tion of society towards higher royalty deals since we hold the distributors, offices, factory
pensers. What they don’t hand over the sensor. It is food standards of hygiene, especial- patent behind it. Thirdly, owners, gyms, schools, and
know is that there are over grade and is tested in a water ly in underdeveloped and white-labelling our product individuals, and are currently
7,000 different types of bac- quality lab. poorer countries. We have and selling as OEMs to exist- closing orders for our market
teria on our cell phones and Existing touchless systems seen the need for multiple ing brands for integration with version. We are currently get-
3,200 bacteria from 150 dif- have limitations when used campaigns like the “Clean their line of dispensers. ting interests from investors
ferent species on our hands. with drinking water at low India” campaign, and this a Fourthly, providing R&D serv- for mass production of the
• We see ‘no’ education on pressure and in portable sys- prime example of technology ices to different companies product.
Why 24x7?
• It is the human psychology
1
and policies. This speaks directly to the city’s OBJECTIVE
desire to increase the level of coordination,
cooperation, and integration among all city
departments, partners, and stakeholders - a
key component for the future. Balance the environmental, economic, and
societal goals. This means looking for affordable
2
OBJECTIVE and equitable projects and programs that
provide multiple benefits to all communities. For
example, if a stormwater capture facility can
also be part of a public park, then it meets
Improve the health of local watersheds.
multiple objectives and might be worth doing.
Projects under this objective would look at
ways to replace or reduce impervious covers,
3
OBJECTIVE
such as parking lots, streets, and sidewalks.
Other projects would focus on restoring local
ecosystems, minimizing pollutants in the
waterways, and reducing the risk and effects
Improve local water supply reliability. This
of flooding.
objective identifies ways to increase stormwater
4
OBJECTIVE capture, as a large percentage of Los Angeles
area’s wet and dry weather runoff is lost to the
Pacific Ocean. Other efforts under this objective
look at ways to expand the city’s water conser-
Implement, monitor, and maintain a reliable
vation program and make potable reuse a
wastewater system. As wastewater flows
practical, affordable and acceptable reality.
decrease because of greater conservation,
5
opportunities to use the excess sewer
OBJECTIVE
collection system capacity to capture and
convey dry weather runoff and stormwater for
treatment and reuse will turn up. Beyond that, Increase climate resilience. The ongoing
maintaining the sewer system to reduce drought is only one example of how climate
overflows and odors is a top priority. change can negatively affect the city’s water
6
OBJECTIVE supply and infrastructure. Milder winters reduce
snowpack levels, intense rainstorms lead to
flooding, and sea level rise makes coastal
Increase community awareness and advocacy facilities (like treatment and belowground
for sustainable water. A key factor of the One pumping plants) more vulnerable to storm
Water LA 2040 Plan’s success hinges on surges and tsunamis. Building mitigation
7
public and stakeholder engagement and OBJECTIVE strategies into the city’s overall plan is an
outreach. As educational and informational important step to making the overall system
programs are implemented to help the city’s more resilient and reliable.
citizens think differently about where their
water comes from, everyone can be a part of
achieving the One Water LA 2040 vision.
The One Water LA 2040 the people who maintain, comes to indirect potable ities for potable reuse isn’t an engineers and operators to
Plan will usher in a new era of operate, fix, and work with the reuse and stormwater cap- overnight operation. There bring new skills and knowl-
interdepartmental coopera- city’s complex water infra- ture. will be changes to treatment edge to their jobs.
tion and true integration. The structure every day - will see Turning wastewater treat- processes, and the host of reg- For example, one of the key
city’s water and wastewater some big changes. This is par- ment plants into advanced (or ulations that come along with regulatory issues surrounding
treatment plant operators - ticularly the case when it similar) water treatment facil- potable reuse will require direct potable reuse is real-
Angeles
IN A RECENT REVIEW OF enue water (NRW) and low sector. ther sectoral growth. While APAC Market
the global growth landscape, water tariffs. The Asian As a result of the invest- there are still enforcement As more governments and
the World Economic Forum Development Bank (ADB) ment-friendly high-growth challenges and a lack of suffi- industries seek to ensure long-
(WEF) has highlighted water- estimates that the APAC markets, the region’s FDI cient investment in the APAC term water security, regional
related risks as the top threat region currently spends just inflow has been largely water sector, treatment adop- demand for water and waste-
to global governments and $18.5 billion on water and san- immune to the global decline tion continues to improve water treatment and associat-
industries. This means that, itation, against the nearly $50 in FDI flows over the past 2 given concerns regarding ed services is expected to con-
both in the short- and long- billion required annually to years. These positive develop- long-term business sustain- tinue its upward trend.
term, the demand for water ensure sustainable develop- ments are expected to result ability and environmental Innovation in business deliv-
resources will outpace supply ment. In addition to this, in continued deregulation of impact. ery, through the adoption of
across the world and that strong growth in the region’s the water sector across the flexible business models such
water-related risks will create manufacturing and consumer region in the next decade, and Spotlight on Southeast as Anything-as-a-Service
major disruptions in business sectors is expected to bring a resultant growth in FDI Asia (XaaS) and through value-
and daily life. with it a host of environmental inflow into the region. Recent years have seen the addition in service offerings,
Among the global regions, concerns. mass exodus of local and will be critical to success in
Asia-Pacific (APAC) is expect- The good news is that Stronger Regulatory Land- international market partici- the APAC market. Developing
ed to face the highest risk of regional governments are cog- scape pants from the slowing water capabilities in the implemen-
water crises given the high nizant of the need to balance The Asia Pacific has histor- markets in China and India, in tation of smart water meter-
demand and low-supply envi- growth and long-term sustain- ically lagged in the enforce- favor of other emerging mar- ing and leak detection tech-
ronment. APAC is undergoing ability. Governments have ment of water-legislations, kets in nearby Southeast Asia nologies will prove to be a
rapid population growth and been working to strengthen given the more pressing (SEA). With the availability of major competitive advantage
urbanization, at a rate that is regulations to ensure a clean- developmental needs in the water being a key restraint of given the regional efforts
much higher than the World er, safer water and to safe- region. Many developing this incoming growth, there is towards water network reha-
average. In addition to this, guard existing water nations in the region lack an ongoing push in the region bilitation and NRW reduction.
the continued migration of resources for future use. defined standards and fees for to secure reliable, sustainable, Also, with the growing
manufacturing operations to Many governments have also wastewater discharge, with and economical sources of amount of water data being
low-cost Central China and revamped foreign direct end-users often paying only a clean water. generated by today’s technolo-
Southeast Asia (SEA), is lead- investment (FDI) policies to fixed fee regardless of dis- These factors are expected gies, participants offering
ing to further stress on water ensure further investment in charge levels. This is, however, to make the SEA market the data services such as predic-
resources and environment. infrastructure development, changing in recent times with top growth region for the tive analytics and integrated
Given these circum- and have created transparent many regional governments Water & Wastewater Services data management systems
stances, the region is expect- platforms for interaction picking up cues on environ- in APAC. Within SEA, can capitalize on the rapidly
ed to see strong growth in between policy makers, stake- mental management from Vietnam and Indonesia will transforming landscape.
treatment penetration and in holders and investors to help more conscientious neighbors offer the best growth opportu- Overall, the APAC Water
the adoption of advanced quicken the pace of growth. such as Japan and Singapore. nities given the rapid econom- and Wastewater Services
technologies and processes In a bid to balance growth and ic development and industrial- market will achieve a robust
such zero liquid discharge FDI-Friendly Policies sustainability, high-growth ization. The Design & 5.82% CAGR over the next five
(ZLD) and water data analyt- After official developmen- economies such as India and Engineering services segment years, growing from $147.58
ics as a means to increase tal assistance (ODA), FDI is Vietnam have adopted indus- is expected to perform espe- billion in 2017 to reach $195
resource availability and effi- expected to be the next try-specific standards for cially well in the SEA as the billion in 2022.
ciency. This will present the biggest contributor to the effluent discharge and for pace of new greenfield proj-
APAC Water & Wastewater market’s investment demands high-impact wastewater treat- ects picks up in the next 5
Services market, which con- in the next decade. Through ment. Ambitious targets for years. Among end-user seg-
sists of design & engineering major FDI reforms in recent water supply and pollution ments, the SEA industrial
(D&E) and operations & main- years, regional governments prevention set by China and water and wastewater servic-
tenance (O&M) services have been able to facilitate the India in their 5-year plans es segment, worth $3 billion in
offered to municipal and smooth entry of foreign funds highlight an increasing focus 2017, will make up for its lack
industrial water and waste- into critical sectors. on water security. of size by offering market par-
water entities, with strong Some early milestones Some regional govern- ticipants high-growth oppor-
growth opportunities in the include Indonesia’s 2016 ments, such as those in tunities throughout the fore-
next 5 years. restructuring of its water sec- Indonesia and India, have also cast period. The SEA indus-
tor allowing investment in restructured and liberalized trial segment will experience
Current Market Landscape pre- and post-consumer treat- their water sector, enabling the strongest growth in APAC, Hari Ramanathan is a
APAC’s municipal water ment, Australia’s 2016 opening easier market entry and a clocking a CAGR of 13.45% Research Analyst at Frost and
sector is chronically under- up of the water extraction and decrease in the time-to-mar- between 2017 and 2022. Sullivan.
funded and faces mounting supply sector, and China’s ket for various technologies
losses due to high non-rev- 2017 deregulation of the water and services, resulting in fur- Clear Skies Ahead for @FrostSullivanEE
WATER, AS A RESOURCE, ties, approaches focus on financial tices to reduce demand, for
is finite. While the earth • Diverting water to increase incentives for use reduction, example by introducing effi-
seems to be covered in water, supply at a particular asset, or disincentives for overuse. ciency measures that are suit-
only a small percentage of it is or Public education works to able for the specific water use.
actually available for human • Using technology to create change user behavior based In an agricultural setting,
use and consumption, posing clean, potable water from a on sharing knowledge about demand-side measures may
a challenge when it comes to previously unusable source. why reducing demand is include replacing inefficient
water management. How can Supply-side water manage- important. Water manage- pumps, or using drip irriga-
stakeholders ensure that ment does not usually place a ment professionals may use tion when appropriate. Many
resources are used and man- burden on users to change one, or many of these tech- of the demand-side manage-
aged appropriately when their own usage of the avail- niques. ment approaches for agricul- solution. Decisions and proj-
demand increases while sup- able water, at least initially, For demand-side water ture look at how both water ects that take place with
ply stays the same? when the costs are borne by management to work, water and energy demand can be incomplete knowledge can
Therefore, to adequately the government. However, managers must understand addressed when implement- waste precious money, human
manage water assets, stake- these techniques are often both the water resource and ing new technologies. resources, time, and even
holders must consider both expensive, meaning places its users, in full. To reduce the Successful demand-side man- have the unintended conse-
supply-side and demand-side with fewer financial and tech- burden on any given asset, agement interventions also quence of damaging trust.
management. Both have bene- nological resources are unable those working in water man- have a community capacity Various reports, white
fits and drawbacks, and to implement them easily, and agement must explore how building element. Individuals papers, and industry guide-
regardless of what approach those that do have the reducing demand will impact need to understand why the lines emphasize the critical
is taken, education is key. resources may still eventually the user population, and if measures and important and value of stakeholder engage-
In the Asia Pacific region, be pressured to recover costs reducing demand is even fea- what benefit they will receive ment for water management,
the Asian Development Bank of maintenance and upgrades sible. before they sign on to any and a good starting point, if
estimates that 80% of water from water users. For example, behavior change or new tech- you are looking for more infor-
resources are used for agricul- Examples of agricultural Hydronumerics’ Chris O’Neill nology. mation, is the OECD 2015
tural irrigation. This high per- supply-side augmentation or saw this challenge play out in Focusing on the long-term Stakeholder Engagement for
centage has management storage solutions that may be India, noting many large com- health and availability of a Inclusive Water Governance
implications, as demand-side suitable for the Asia Pacific panies wanting to invest in water resource can help show publication.
efficiency and supply-side context could include the infrastructure to add supply- users why it is so important to It has been demonstrated
augmentation solutions must development of small farm- side management, without manage water carefully. that reducing demand is usu-
take into consideration how sized dams or implementing understanding the demand ally somewhere between three
the agriculture water is being water reuse for crops that can side of the equation. Which Approach is Best? to ten times less expensive
used, and for what exact pur- use water that may be run-off Similarly, according to To effectively handle water than developing water-supply
poses. from other crops. O’Neill, some water users do management, stakeholders options, such as building
New technologies and not understand their own role have to be willing to look at reservoirs or importing water
approaches, when applied to Demand-Side Water Man- in demand-side management, both approaches and consider from distant places.
agricultural water, can have agement experiencing a disconnect what will work best, whether In Australia, community
significant implications for Demand-side water man- between how they use the that will be supply-side man- engagement has helped to
water use, reduction, and agement can be defined as water supply, and how that agement, demand-side man- identify opportunities for
reuse, allowing for farmers to reducing the amount of water affects the overall availability agement, or a combination of demand-side management
better prepare for and man- that is being used by people and longevity of the resource. both. approaches, which has
age water scarcity challenges. for specific purposes, such as Education and under- The first step to imple- allowed for governments to
household use, for farming, or standing water values are key menting any supply-side or avoid costly new infrastruc-
Supply-Side Water Man- for municipal or industrial to implementing effective demand-side program is to ture projects.
agement needs. demand-side water manage- speak with the stakeholders
Supply-side water manage- To reduce demand, stake- ment processes. involved, and fully analyze the The Australian Water
ment works by increasing the holders can implement vari- Demand-side management data and information avail- Partnership (AWP) is an
amount of available water, ous measures. A structural or measures are successful when able. Australian Government devel-
which can be done in a num- operational change, such as water managers understand This initial scoping may opment initiative enhancing the
ber of ways: fixing leaky systems or how water is used by the peo- take a fair amount of time, but sustainable management of
upgrading existing infrastruc- ple depending on the a comprehensive understand- water across the Indo-Pacific.
• By finding new sources, ture to reduce waste is one resource, and they work to ing of the situation is essential
• Increasing storage capaci- technique. Economic educate users on best prac- to implementing an effective @WaterPartnersAU
Scales stormwater from industrial cities with its population in way. These secondary benefits
Amsterdam, facing rapid facilities as well as designing 2030 projected to be 30% include increased urban
population growth and cli- and constructing ‘green higher than today. With a greening, urban heat island
mate change threats, is devel- streets’, which are streets that greater number of people fac- reduction, and more habitat
oping various types of BGI at reduce, treat, and capture ing climatic risks, Oslo is for birds and pollinators. To
different spatial scales in both stormwater runoff close to its implementing a range of BGI incentivize BGI retrofits on
existing and new neighbor- source. Both initiatives align strategies to create a more private property, the city’s
hoods to achieve a variety of with the Sustainable City resilient, greener city includ- Department of Environmental
benefits including enhanced pLAn’s goals of reducing the ing the restoration of its Protection (DEP) will be
climate resilience, increased purchase of imported water waterways. Oslo has 10 main releasing a Request for
biodiversity, and improved by 50% by 2025 and producing waterways that run through Proposals to procure a
human health. Specifically, 50% of LA’s water locally by its urban areas. Up until Program Administrator to
Amsterdam’s BGI will 2035. Regarding the stormwa- recently, these waterways launch and administer a new
increase the retention and ter incentive programme, all were considered problematic BGI Private Incentive Retrofit
FACED WITH CLIMATE reticulation of rainwater, all industrial facilities regulated for sewage and an obstacle to Program.
change and environmental the while having a cooling by the Industry General development. As such, large The five-year contract will
degradation many cities are effect on surface tempera- Permit and within LADWP’s sections have pipes and cul- have a value of USD 43-58 mil-
turning to Blue-Green tures, provide habitats for service area/areas of interest verts. However, these have lion with a goal of retrofitting
Infrastructure (BGI) solutions indigenous plants and animal will be eligible to participate predefined capacities and 200 greened acres. DEP has
to enhance climate resilience species, and provide opportu- in the program. The total with more frequent and heav- also released a streamlined
as well as restore the health of nities for recreation and relax- rebate amounts will be based ier rainfall the city faces fast-track review process for
ecosystems. ation. The city’s range of BGI on yield for each respective increased urban flooding private green roof projects
BGI is a strategically being developed includes facility, with the rebate risks. In response, Oslo has funded through its Green
planned network of natural green pocket parks and neigh- amount of USD 1,100/acre foot decided to restore these Infrastructure Grant
and semi-natural areas, rang- bourhood parks, which are (AF) for infiltration and USD waterways by reopening Program. The funding sched-
ing in size from rain gardens small parks designed to not 1,550/AF for onsite reuse. closed rivers and streams to ule sets reimbursement rates
right up to green streets, that only manage stormwater but Meanwhile, one green street handle stormwater more for green roof projects based
are designed and managed to also invite activity; green play being implemented is the effectively as well as create on growing media depth and
deliver a wide range of envi- streets which are streets that Laurel Canyon Boulevard recreational spaces for people planted area.
ronmental, economic, and have been closed to traffic and Green Street Project that will and facilitate increased habi- These upfront reimburse-
social benefits including turned into green spaces for see a series of vegetated infil- tat for biodiversity. One exam- ment rates eliminate uncer-
improved water quality (BGI people to meet and play in; tration swales and dry wells ple is the Teglverksdammen tainty over how much funding
captures and cleans stormwa- and sidewalk gardens where installed. During storm Project which is a reopening is available for potential proj-
ter, ensuring waterways are residents are encouraged to events, these BGI solutions of around 650 meters of the ects and by giving this infor-
healthier), reduced potential create green facades or plant will capture and treat stream Hovinbekke. mation to applicants in
for flooding (BGI slows down vegetation in bare soil around stormwater runoff from an The project has been advance it means DEP can
and holds stormwater allow- street trees. approximate 123-acre planned and designed as a fast-track green roof grant
ing it to soak into the ground), drainage area and infiltrate it natural cleaning system with applications, with anticipated
enhanced resilience to climate LA’s Green Streets into the San Fernando several sedimentation basins, design approval within 90
change (BGI can use water as Each year Los Angeles Groundwater Basin. During a a stream with water rapids, a days from the submittal date.
a resource for communities loses 58 trillion gallons of normal year, the project will small lake, and shallow waters
and natural habitats), reduced water to the ocean. To collect be able to replenish 13 million with dense vegetation. Moving Forwards
infrastructure costs (BGI some of this excess water off gallons of rainwater into Stormwater from a nearby A range of policies can be
reduces the volume of water the city’s impervious surfaces underground aquifers. school is also safely led into implemented by cities around
entering the sewer system, the Los Angeles Department the newly reopened stream. the world to implement BGI
increasing the lifespan of the of Water and Power (LADWP) Oslo Restoring its Water- solutions including retro-
sewers and reducing infra- is developing a stormwater ways New York City Incentiviz- fitting public areas as well as
structure maintenance costs), incentive programme for the The City of Oslo is one of ing BGI on Private Prop- encouraging the uptake of
and increased space for com- infiltration and on-site use of Europe’s fastest-growing erty BGI solutions on private prop-
munities and wildlife (BGI New York City’s BGI aims erty.
provides multiple mental and to reduce Combined Sewer
physical health benefits to Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) is a strategically Overflows (CSO) into New Robert Brears is the author
communities as well as a sanc- planned network of natural and semi-natural areas, York Harbour, in addition to of Urban Water Security,
tuary for urban wildlife and ranging in size from rain gardens right up to green providing multiple community Founder of Mitidaption, and
pollinators). streets, designed and managed to deliver environ- and environmental benefits to Our Future Water."
Amsterdam Implementing mental, economic, and social benefits. the city’s neighborhoods and
BGI at Different Spatial residents in a cost-effective @Mitidaption
WATER AND WASTE- galvanized wedge anchors by the 316 stainless steel Available Diameters for Minimum embedment depths
WATER maintenance staff would provide the longer last- wedge anchor, regardless of Wedge Anchors for each diameter of concrete
and contractors are looking ing corrosion resistance. whether the application will Concrete wedge anchors wedge anchor are listed below.
be in a moist or wet environ- come in nine different diame-
Is it a Wet or Moist Environ- ment. Food processing plants ters ranging from 1/4" to 1-
ment? where cleaners are present 1/4". Each diameter of con-
When an application of a are examples of where the 316 crete wedge anchor is avail-
wedge anchor is needed, a stainless steel wedge anchor able in different lengths from
practiced installer will inspect is the most intelligent choice. 1-3/4" in the 1/4" diameter to
the environment carefully to 12" long in all diameters larger
decide if it is moist or wet. Wedge Anchor Compar- than 1/2".
These few minutes of scrutiny isons:
Confast Stairs will translate into years of 304 Stainless Steel Wedge Determining Diameter
rust resistance and durability Anchors The diameter of concrete Confast Water Fittings
for ways to avoid long-term for the completed job. • Used in submerged, wet wedge anchor to use for any
maintenance problems for Wet environments can be environments particular application Concrete Fastener Solu-
their projects can take time to either indoors or outdoors, • Used only in solid concrete depends on the weight of the tions
carefully examine the environ- and are submerged in liquid. • Spacing between each object being fastened, on the Due to the high moisture
mental conditions of an appli- This wet area will never be anchor must be more than diameter of the hole size in the content that is common in the
cation using wedge anchors. completely dried out, i.e., a 10 anchor diameters apart object being fastened, and on water and wastewater envi-
Choosing the correct type sump pump. The 304 stainless any specifications of diameter ronments, items can be effec-
of wedge anchor to fasten an steel wedge anchors will pro- recommended by an engineer. tively anchored down for
item to concrete can reduce vide effective rust resistance The rule of thumb is that the improved rust resistance
the negative impacts of rust in this type of atmosphere. larger the diameter than the using 304 or 316 stainless steel
and corrosion. In fact, a few Zinc wedge anchor might be better the holding values. wedge anchors. Caustic,
ounces of moisture plus its used in wet applications but Holding values concrete chemical and salt liquids will
substance will tip the scale will rust over time. wedge anchors can be found need the additional corrosion
toward the use of the 304 Moist environments are at technical specifications for resistance offered by the 316
stainless steel wedge anchor, also found both indoors and Confast Stainless Steel Sleeve wedge anchors. stainless steel wedge anchor.
316 stainless steel wedge outdoors and are places that Anchor The electrical conduit
anchor, or use of the hot- are temporarily submerged. Length to Use applications on the block,
dipped galvanized wedge The hot dipped galvanized 316 Stainless Steel Wedge The length of concrete brick or concrete can be done
anchor. wedge anchor will have more Anchors wedge anchor to use is based with stainless steel tapcons,
rust resistance than even the on the thickness of the materi- stainless steel wedge anchors
Wedge Anchors Come in mechanically galvanized • Used in caustic, wet and/or al being fastened plus the or stainless steel sleeve
Varied Materials and Types wedge anchor, but not more moist atmospheres embedment depth of the con- anchors. Control boxes fas-
• Zinc plated carbon steel than the stainless steel vari- • Used only in solid concrete crete wedge anchor into the tened to concrete can use
wedge anchors are among ety. • Minimum distance from an concrete. Each diameter of stainless steel wedge anchors,
the most common. unsupported edge is five concrete wedge anchor has a while stainless steel sleeve
• Other types include stain- Is It a Caustic Type of Liquid? anchor diameters minimum embedment depth anchors are recommended for
less steel wedge anchors Once the decision has been that the anchor must be use with block walls. An addi-
and hot dipped galvanized. made that places the setting Hot Dipped Galvanized inserted into the concrete for tional way for water and
When choosing wedge on the continuum of wet to Wedge Anchors it to obtain minimum holding wastewater maintenance staff
anchors made from specific moist, the next assessment values. Adding the minimum and or contractors to reduce
materials or with particular concerns the liquid itself. • Used in moist environments embedment of the diameter of the cost even further is to pur-
finishes, it's important to con- Attentiveness to this detail • Used only in solid concrete concrete wedge anchor being chase wedge anchors directly
sider the environmental will have long-ranging conse- • Holding value depends on used to the thickness of the from the manufacturer by
demands of the end installa- quences on the endurance of the diameter of wedge material being fastened plus ordering online.
tion. In the moist environ- the wedge anchor application. anchor, depth of embed- the thickness of the nut and
ments, a careful judgment is Caustic, chemical and salt ment; the hardness of con- washer will give the minimum About the Author
critical to ascertain whether liquids will need the additional crete base material increas- length of concrete wedge Bob Carlisle is President of
stainless steel or hot dipped corrosion resistance offered es holding value anchor that should be used. Concrete Fastening Systems.
For the operator, it is also Containerized MBBR thickness and provides hence
essential to know that only Plants? a very high biological activity.
one Mutag MBBR power The removal efficiency in a This effect provided by the
pack™ unit will be required smallest possible MBBR reac- Mutag BioChip™ is unique in
instead of 2 or even more con- tion tank (-volume) can be sig- its nature. It is indeed very
tainers. As a result, additional nificantly enhanced by using surprising to see that this pos-
costs can be further reduced and combining certain select- itive effect with its highly
by providing savings in both ed components. advantageous features is
capital and operational expen- By using highly effective being recognized rather
diture. membrane aeration panels, rarely among experts.
IN ORDER TO meet the glob- engineering basic guidelines. very fine-bubbled process air Contrary to the Mutag
ally increasing requirements They will hence neither need What are the Benefits Pro- is being supplied, ensuring BioChip™, the biomass on
on flexible, biological waste- any additional development vided by this Franchise that the oxygen quantity other carriers made of PE is
water treatment plants, Multi nor highly-skilled employees. Concept? required for the high biologi- highly susceptible to being
Umwelttechnologie AG Thanks to this franchise The franchise is not only cal removal performance can flushed off the carrier surface.
(Mutag) is now offering their concept, the business idea of supplied with the Mutag be transferred into the water. Furthermore, the biofilm on
basic engineering support in offering the production and BioChip™ high-performance If the supply of this high oxy- such carriers cannot be con-
the form of a franchise-con- the operation of compact, flex- carrier media and the mem- gen mass would not be trolled in thickness. The posi-
cept. In this way, companies ible wastewater treatment brane air diffuser panels. He ensured, the aerobic removal tive, advantageous effect of
engaged in marketing and/or plants is possible to be also is brought into the posi- process would not take place. the Mutag BioChip™ is impos-
operating this technology, or brought into price-conscious tion to use the long-term It is of particular impor- sible to reach with injection-
being interested in using this markets and developing coun- know-how of MBBR-process- tance that sufficient active molded plastic carriers.
technology as additional tries. and application technology, biomass is maintained inside
know-how can benefit from It is essential that highly biofilm-technology & support, the MBBR tank in a controlled Conclusion
Mutag’s many years of experi- efficient and flexible plants starting from the designing of manner. Compared to other The highest efficiency is
ence and development work. can be produced and operated plants up to the calculation carrier media in containerized reached by the combined
directly on the spot. In this and layout of the particular plants, controlled biomass application of the two key
What is Different with the way, any potential further components. growth is realized by using the components: the oxygen
Mutag MBBR Power Pack™ costs can be kept as low as Also, the constructional highly efficient Mutag transfer system and the
Unit and what is Essential? possible. design of retention screens, as BioChip™ carriers. It is essen- Mutag BioChip™ carriers.
In Germany, the produc- The efficiency of the Mutag well as mass balance, flow- tial that the biomass fixed in This combination allows for
tion of standardized water MBBR power pack™ unit sheets, basic P&ID, the pore structure of the the highest possible biological
treatment plants is currently becomes obvious when com- datasheets of equipment com- approx. 1.1 mm flat chip (disc) removal rates in the smallest
not profitable due to high paring it directly to other con- ponents, and construction is sufficiently being supplied possible reactor volume, as
manufacturing and transport tainerized plants which are plans are included in the with substrate and oxygen well as for significant savings
costs. available in the market. scope of supply of the fran- from both sides by diffusion. in capital and operational
In case that the steel struc- A Mutag MBBR power chisor (Mutag). Consequently, the entire bio- expenditures.
tures and the pipework are pack™ unit in the framework Of particular importance is mass is kept active and no The production of units on
manufactured according to of a 40-ft container having the operational support after inactive sludge will clog the the spot in accordance with
construction plans directly at dimensions of 12.0 m x 2.3 m x the construction of the plant. pores. the construction plans pro-
the site in the respective desti- 2.5 m (L x W x H) is designed For this purpose, the fran- Due to the carriers con- vides cost savings on the one
nation country where the for municipal wastewater chisor Mutag provides com- tacting very smoothly with hand, and it promotes the
plants are urgently needed, treatment at a capacity of plete commissioning- and each other in the moving bed wastewater infrastructure in
suchlike plants can be pro- 2,400 m³/d, the load of 6,600 operation manuals, as well as bio-reactor, the biofilm (bio- the destination countries on
duced at significantly lower PE and 400 kg/d BOD at 15°C. documents, and supports the mass) inside the pore system the other hand. At the same
costs. Additionally, such a Hence, the removal perform- operating staff by means of of the Chip is constantly kept time, the franchisor Mutag
support is contributing to the ance of the Mutag MBBR evaluation of the operating at a layer thickness of approx. provides support to the fran-
further development of the power pack™ unit at the same data and by giving recommen- 0.5 mm on both sides of the chisee/operator in all process-
destination countries. MBBR reaction tank volume dations for an optimal plant Chip. Any excess biomass is technological, biological or
In a franchise concept, is a double or a multifold of operation. sheared off. Hence, the operational matters.
companies in these countries other available containerized defined depth of the pores Cornelia Harmsen and
are given the possibility to use plants which are comparable Why is the Efficiency ensures that the biofilm is René Trübenbach work for
the long-term know-how and in size. Higher Compared to Other optimally controlled in its Multi Umwelttechnologie AG.
POSTEVENT
Social Entrepreneurs and Enterprises (SEE)
Conference on Water: Act or Perish
The 1-day conference organized in IIM Bangalore is an initiative by the alumni of IIT Kanpur,
supported by the alumni of IIT Kharagpur, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore.
By Express Water
POSTEVENT
Water Loss 2018 - Conference & Exhibition
By Jurica Kovac
Paulo which is the main city in record and how they managed
Brazil supplying some 20 mil- to reduce their daily per capi-
lion people. ta demand (across all usage
Second speaker up was sectors) to less than 140 liters
Bambos Charalambous from per person per day.
Cyprus who presented a very
crisp and clear picture of the IWA and Water Loss Spe-
water crisis that engulfed cialist Group
Cyprus a few years ago. The IWA members and staff
situation was so bad that are situated in 130 countries
water had to be transported to worldwide, forming the
Cyprus by tanker ships from largest international network
Athens in Greece. For a period of water professionals work-
of two years, the main city of ing towards a water wise
Lemesos and its environs world. One of the most popu-
THE INTERNATIONAL scope of issues of Non- potable water in 11 major were forced to operate on lar groups within IWA is
WATER Association (IWA) Revenue Water Management cities around the world. intermittent supply which Water Loss Specialist Group,
Water Loss Specialist Group and an overview of the latest An important point to means that the water is cut off with more than 1400 individ-
had their biennial Water Loss IWA Methodology for reduc- mention is that during the completely for hours or days ual members.
world conference this May in ing water losses. conference, a full 90-minute at a time and the supply
Cape Town, South Africa. The Besides the benefits that session was devoted to the restored for short periods on a About the Author
conference was organized the conference brings, partici- water crisis in Cape Town as rotational basis. Mr. Jurica Kovac is a consult-
together with City of Cape pants had the opportunity to well as similar crises that have Charalambous highlighted ant in water loss management.
Town, with accompanying witness and learn how to face been experienced elsewhere. that this approach was to He is current Secretary of the
exhibition from 7-9 May 2018 challenges of water scarcity, The issue that was discussed some extent forced onto the IWA Water Loss Specialist
at the Century City first hand, since Cape Town concerns the recent press water managers and in hind- Group and lives in Croatia.
Conference Centre and Hotel. was faced with serious water reports that “The City of Cape sight was a poor strategy. The
More than 400 people from shortages. Massive programs Town is set to become the first net reduction in the supply
50 countries attended the con- for reducing water consump- major city in the world to run into the system during the
ference and we had more than tion were launched by the city out of water”. Before the rep- drought was only 10% and
100 presentations. of Cape Town, that can be resentative for the City of after the system was restored
Many of the world’s leading very instructive for the rest of Cape Town was asked to pres- to continuous supply, the sup-
experts in the field of Non- the world. ent details of the current ply into the system increased
Revenue Water Management However, the plight of the water crisis, three other to 10% above the pre-drought
presented latest develop- drought-hit South African city speakers were asked to high- levels. The increase was due
ments, strategies, techniques, with the population of 4M is light what happened in their mainly to the increase in burst
and applications in the field of just one extreme example of a cities when faced with serious pipes which took almost 2
water loss management. problem that experts have drought. years to resolve and Mr.
A one-day pre-conference long been warning about - The first speaker up was Charalambous is now the
workshop was also held on 6th water scarcity. The interest- Francisco Paracampos from main critic of intermittent
May, with close to 100 partici- ing story hit mainstream Brazil who presented some supply and Chairman of the
pants who had a chance to media recently, describing details of the water crisis new IWA Intermittent Water
learn in more detail the wide problems of insufficient experienced recently in Sao Supply Specialist Group. His
message is simple “Don’t go
there!”.
Third speaker up was Tim
Waldron from Australia who
presented some facts and fig-
ures on the recent drought
that gripped the Eastern
seaboard of Australia. He pro-
vided details of how the major
cities in Australia grappled
with their worst drought on
POSTEVENT
2018 Going Digital Event Series by Bentley Systems
By Express Water
and media with over 360 par- firms. The session helped par-
ticipants at each location. The ticipants to discover how
event featured thought-pro- Going Digital will have a
voking keynotes and informa- direct impact on project and
tive sessions featuring award- business outcomes.
winning infrastructure proj- At the Mumbai event,
ects with best practices used Kailash Shirodkar - Business
in engineering projects of all Head of Express Water mod-
sizes. The event brought the erated the session and set the
expertise and knowledge floor for industry leaders with
sharing from the annual Year thought leadership presenta-
in Infrastructure Conference tions. Dr. Sanjay
BENTLEY SYSTEMS, to cities around the globe. Dahasahastra (Ex-member
INCORPORATED, a leading The morning keynote pre- Secretary of MJP) shared his
provider of comprehensive sentations at each event high- outstanding work and best
software solutions for advanc- lighted the benefits of Going practices of the industry with
ing infrastructure launched Digital and explored the next his amazing passion for the Venkatesh, Senior Deputy Participants from the
2018 Going Digital Event generation cloud platform for industry. He pointed out the General Manager from L&T industry from project owners
series in India. The event digital workflows - the need for technologies to deliv- shared his project execution to consultants actively partici-
highlights included: executive iModelHub for a better solu- er water projects of today. He on water loss management pated in the sessions and got
keynote, technology keynote, tion for synchronizing work in shared his recent work of projects. He mentioned the engage in fruitful discussions.
reality modeling presentation, infrastructure projects. The water supply project from need for modelling tools for Participants also recognized
concurrent industry tracks, event showcased advantages Dehradun and sewerage mas- identification and rehabilita- the importance to leverage
and the user presentations to transform from a loose col- ter plan of Aurangabad. tion of network. He put for- data to support better deci-
highlighting ‘Be Inspired’ lection of heterogeneous engi- Virant Joshi, the General ward scientific engineering sion-making and employ new
Award Winners and other neering files and documents Manager from Ceinsys, pre- approach adopted by L&T for digital technologies to
outstanding projects from into a truly reliable, reusable, sented on Digital Information diagnostic water management improve your business
around the globe. and scalable database result- for Water & Waste Water from planning to construc- processes and outcomes.
ing in high performing proj- Solutions and it’s imperative tion. He presented UFW proj- Session entrusted digital
Industry Track: Water & ects and improved asset per- for the Future. He entrusted ect of Bangalore water board, movement is real and repre-
Wastewater formance. their project offerings with Moga water supply project sents a tremendous opportu-
The Bentley Institute The afternoon session had work carried out with three from Intake to distribution nity for water organizations. It
Going Digital Event was a full- Water Industry track. Water case studies. He shared with great insights. put forward necessary for
day event which was organ- industry leaders shared their Jagdalpur Water Supply Deepak Kr Mohta, IT adaptation of holistic techno-
ized on 5th June in Mumbai rich experience and presented Scheme Under AMRUT Consultant from Shah logical solutions to simplify
and 7th June in Delhi. It about the application of tech- Mission to achieve 24x7 Water Technicals presented innova- the hydro-social contracts
received a warm response nologies to improve project Supply project, Bhandara tive project experience with needed to effectively expedite
from project owners, consult- outcomes for both owner- Underground Drainage Rajasthan Urban transition towards sustain-
ants, Government officials operators and project delivery Scheme. Ceinsys did the Infrastructure Development able water cities/towns.
design of sewerage scheme Project (Unit of RUDSICO). Bentley is dedicated to pro-
covering all areas of the The project developed Smart viding engineers, architects,
Bhandara Municipal Council. Check – a mobile application geospatial professionals, con-
And last success story was on top hydraulic models of structors, and owner-operators
from Sinnar Municipal water and sewerage networks with comprehensive software
Council. Sinnar project was a to engage stakeholders from solutions for advancing infra-
classic example of the integra- engineers, contractors, and structure. Founded in 1984,
tion of requisite technologies local communities. Smart Bentley has more than 3,500 col-
to deliver project outcomes. check application facilitated leagues in over 50 countries and
At the Delhi event, Sanjay real-time monitoring of proj- is on track to surpass an annual
Kumar (CEO) of Geospatial ect execution activities by revenue run rate of USD 700
Media and Communications clicking site pictures. Deepak million during 2018. Since 2012,
chaired the session. He shared showed facilitative stakehold- Bentley has invested more than
his insights and handed over er’s involvement in project USD 1 billion in research, devel-
the session to speakers. J progress and transparency. opment, and acquisitions.
POSTEVENT
5th Watertech Wastetech India 2018 - National Summit on
Water,Wastewater Treatment,and Solid Waste Management
By Express Water
POSTEVENT
4th Smart Cities India Expo 2018
The event co-organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), NASSCOM Centre
of Excellence - IoT and Exhibitions India Group saw its grand launch at Pragati Maidan in New
Delhi.
By Express Water
PRE EVENT
IWAWorld Water Congress,Tokyo
At the upcoming World Water Congress taking place in Tokyo, Japan from September 16-21,
2018, IWA will launch the Basin-Connected Cities Action Agenda. This agenda builds on the
principles for Water Wise Cities.
By Katharine Kross