Water conservation has become an urgent priority in India as groundwater levels decline and urbanization increases demand. Konarak Water Meters, a pioneer in high-precision metering solutions, is at the forefront of tackling these challenges. In an exclusive discussion with Mr. Raghunandan Prasad, Managing Director of Konarak Meters, we explore how technology-driven solutions can revolutionize water management in India.
Smart Metering: A Key to Efficient Water Management
India Water Week 2024 emphasizes “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.” Konarak’s smart metering solutions align closely with this theme, helping utilities manage water resources more efficiently. With groundwater levels declining by 0.3 meters annually and water demand projected to double available supply by 2030, precise water measurement is crucial.
Konarak collaborates with leading water utilities and Japanese firms to develop high-precision meters and advanced leakage detection systems. Their meters record around 2,500 million liters of water daily across India, significantly reducing non-revenue water (NRW).
Public-Private Partnerships: A Sustainable Approach
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a pivotal role in tackling India’s water scarcity. The public sector provides scale, while private companies like Konarak bring innovation and efficiency. Konarak’s smart meters have already helped utilities cut NRW by 25-30%, enhancing both water conservation and revenue generation.
Supporting the Jal Jeevan Mission
Konarak has supplied over 4 lakh meters for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), ensuring efficient water distribution in both rural and urban areas. Their newly developed Jal Jeevan Meter (JJM) is designed to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining accuracy, helping utilities effectively manage water supply.
Leveraging IoT and AI for Smarter Water Management
IoT-enabled smart meters offer real-time data, empowering consumers and utilities to track usage and identify leaks promptly. AI-powered leak detection further enhances efficiency, reducing water loss by predicting system failures before they occur.
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In Bangalore, Konarak meters record 900 million liters of water daily, supporting sustainable urban water management.
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Case studies show that smart meters can cut water wastage by up to 35% in apartment complexes.
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AI and machine learning algorithms analyze water distribution patterns, optimizing supply and reducing losses.
Despite the benefits, large-scale smart metering adoption faces hurdles, including high initial costs, connectivity issues in remote areas, and the need for skilled personnel. However, Konarak’s 25 years of expertise in the Indian market positions them well to address these challenges. Emerging technologies such as atmospheric water generation and AI-driven predictive maintenance will play a vital role in shaping India’s water conservation strategy. Konarak’s precision meters, with an accuracy of up to 2%, will be instrumental in integrating these innovations into mainstream water management.