The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)organised the Water India conference, around the theme “Transforming the municipal and industrial water landscape - Issues, challenges and opportunities". The conference was part of the larger International Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF) held at Pragati Maidan Delhi.

There were industries making presentations on how Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) had been achieved in their units to countries discussing the implementation of water management techniques. In all, 18 papers were presented on themes as diverse as demand side management of water to wastewater treatment.

A common thread through all the presentations was the emphasis on technology. While Forbes Marshall spoke about metering and automation technology, Sulabh International demonstrated how people-friendly technology can improve sanitation and the environment.

The focus of all the presentations is better water management. They indicate that though there is need for technology to achieve this, the success of technology is dependent on its user.

1. CII initiatives on water

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is a representative body of Indian business and industry. It also suggests best practices that can be followed by its members to meet financial and social responsibilities. With this in mind, the CII has undertaken many initiatives around the issue of water.

This presentation discusses the steps taken by CII, to not only educate but implement better water management techniques in different sectors. Highlighting the need for such endeavours, the presentation points out to the fact that India will soon be heading into a water crisis due to the gap between demand and supply.

CII points out that there is a physical scarcity in terms of water availability, as also an economic scarcity which is a lack of financial investments to meet the growing demand for water. Even so, there are business opportunities in this sector to the tune of $48 billion. The opportunities lie in the areas of infrastructure and storage, distribution and supply management, waste water treatment etc.

2. Emerging trends in water clarification - Using efficient and eco-friendly coagulants

This paper by Kanoria Chemicals and Industries Limited, discusses the emerging innovations in the field of coagulants used in water clarification. Beginning with the an explanation of the various methods of water clarification which are coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation and filtration an explanation of these processes is given.

Mention is then made of the requirements of an effective coagulant - these include effectiveness over wide range of Ph and turbidity and efficiency at various temperatures which are met by a new range of coagulants like Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC), Polyaluminium Chloride Sulphate (PACS) etc.

The chemical properties and characteristics of these new coagulants are explained with diagrams. There is also a comparison between the new and old types of coagulants indicating the higher efficiency of the former. There are also environmental benefits of the newer coagulants, which include less chemical loading, less sludge formation, less wastage of water.

There are also intangible benefits which include effective removal of chemical and biological pollutants, reduction in back wash of filters etc. There are also case studies of how newer coagulants have been used in various industries and the impact these have had. An example of the use of PAC-10 at a thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh is given. The company saved on energy consumption, cost of chemicals and labour cost.

3. High density polyethylene pipes for fluid conveyance

The use of plastic and especially HDPE for conveying fluid is discussed in the paper by Time Technoplast Limited. The types of HDPE pipes depend on their thickness. Indian specification and standards created by Bureau of India Standards for various pipes are highlighted in the presentation. The presentation also has slides on qualities of such pipes which include their flexibility, rust proof etc.

4. Improved water use efficiency through adoption of drip or sprinkler system

This presentation by Jain Irrigation Systems begins with the current scenario of irrigation requirement and water availability. There will be an increase in demand for water in the future, however water supply will remain at 1137 BMC and as irrigation is the largest consumer of water, there is need to make water use in irrigation more efficient.

Therefore, use of micro-irrigation systems is important. The spread of such systems across various nations is given, along with the benefits accrued from the use of such systems. The benefits includes reduction in water consumption, improved efficiency of fertiliser use, increase in yield and productivity etc.

The paper also discusses other forms of micro irrigation systems which include sprinkler systems, centre/pivot and linear irrigation systems. The types of crops on which these micro irrigation systems can be used are also provided. Finally, practical examples of the use of these systems in the field are given.

5. Integrated water resource management - The Singapore experience

The presentation by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Government of Singapore discusses water management efforts undertaken in Singapore. Water management comes under the PUB which is part of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The water loop as conceived and planned by Singapore is analysed; the loop consists of water harvesting, desalination of seawater and water treatment.

To ensure water sustainability, PUB has created '4 National Taps' which are local catchments, imported water from Malaysia, NEWater - which is water treatment to make it potable, and finally, desalinated water.

All these provide the country with sufficient water. To ensure efficient use of water, demand side management which includes pricing is also used. Newer projects which include building of reservoirs, which are also highlighted in this presentation.

6. Key challenges for India's water infrastructure sector and private sector participation

The presentation by OP Jindal Group is about the initiatives taken by the Group, in the field of water. The company identifies sanitation and water supply as areas where there can be public private partnerships. Various technologies that can be used for water supply and sanitation are also suggested, these include reverse osmosis, biological nutrient removal (BNR) etc.

7. Latest membrane technologies in industrial water & wastewater treatment

The uses and types of membranes used in a variety of technologies is the subject of this presentation by Larsen and Toubro Limited. Membranes are used for a variety of purposes - these include surface water treatment, recycling, water reuse etc. The role of pore size in the type of filtration technology is discussed.

Different types of membranes are also explained - these include Spiral Wound Membrane, Tubular Membrane, Hollow Fibre Membrane. Differentiation between Cross Flow and Dead End Filtration is also explained. The authors also explain the functioning of the Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR).

8. Non-revenue water and Sujal Nirmal Abhiyan of Maharashtra

Sujal Nirmal Abhiyan is an intiative of the Government of Maharashtra, to bring reforms in water and sanitation, with the objective to improve water and sanitation sector efficiencies. The situation of urban water supply at the beginning of this project is described at the start of this presentation by the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran; the number of settlements and the water services provided to these areas is given.

The project involves a range of activities which include consumer surveys, GIS mapping and water audits. The outcomes that are being sought from each of the different activities are explained. These surveys will not only help in identifying assets but also help in billing. The current status of the projects in various towns and cities of Maharashtra is also provided.

9. Zero liquid discharge

This presentation by the Sanmar Group, describes their efforts to reduce water pollution through the process of Zero Liquid Discharge implemented at their various factories.

10. Real time water quality monitoring and alert systems applications and sustainable monitoring using Opex business model

This presentation by Tritech Group Limited and SysEng Private Limited, discusses the uses of and advances in water monitoring technologies. To do so, examples of the use of this technology are given. In Singapore, this monitoring system is used in the water reservoir.

11. Technologies for complex waste treatment

 New concepts of wastewater treatment created by Ion Exchange are discussed in this presentation. Today wastewater treatment technologies also include concepts of reduction at source, water reuse, product recovery and water minimisation. New variants of aerobic and anaerobic treatment are pointed out.

Case studies of such technologies being used at Chennai Petroleum and at a CETP at Angeripalayam are analysed. Other technologies like combustion of waste are also discussed in this presentation.

12. Understanding water quality standards & norms

The presentation by Underwriters Laboratories, discusses various national and international standards for water quality. The paradox of water being present everywhere but not being potable is a reality that we have to face. Water has many constituents including pollutants, making it unsafe to drink. Therefore there is need for water quality standards.

Mention is made on how standards are set - besides adverse effects there is also need to have limits to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) etc. With these parameters, national and international water quality standards are created. Water standards of different countries are compared and water quality norms post treatment by various technologies are also provided.

13. Wastewater recycle and reuse - A need of the hour

The need for proper water management through recycling and reuse is discussed. Beginning with the the demand-supply gap, a note is also made on the issues that water management promoters face as they try to change water usage patterns. Though the issue of resource sustainability is key, there are also doubts on the reuse of water which range from technology use and trust deficit on technology operators and health issues.

It is therefore necessary to categorise the kind of reuse being suggested; reuse can vary from industrial reuse to ground water discharge. Technologies that are available to make water reusable are also discussed and case studies of various cities in USA, Japan and Singapore are given. Efforts to recycle and use this water in different cities in India is also given in the presentation.

14. Water clarification technologies - Case-study of AQUADAF clarifier

 Water clarification technology developed byDegremont is discussed in this presentation. The technologies include Turbocirculator, Densadeg, Pulsator, AquaDAF etc. Each technology is explained along with its technical specifications. Further the areas for the use of each technology is  also provided.

15. Water conservation in sanitation using cost-effective technologies

 The lack of sewerage has environmental and health impacts; however at the same time providing proper sewerage is both time consuming and requires money. Decentralised waste management as envisioned by Sulabh International is not only easy to install but is cost effective.

This paper discusses toilet design which not only require less water but promote composting of faecal matter. Also technologies like biogas digester to convert human excreta into biogas and manure, use of duckweed to treat waste water, composting for municipal waste are also explained.

16. Water-energy nexus - An experience in agricultural demand side management

Agriculture in India consumes 23% of power & 38% of water (90% groundwater). There is scope to save on power and water consumption. This presentation by USAID and Tetra Tech India Limited, suggest three financial methods to do so.

The first being the power distributor taking a loan, the second being the electricity saving company (ESCO) taking the loan and the third the farmer being the loan taker. The case of an ESCO taking a loan in Bangalore is provided and the key features of the project explained. The energy saved by such a scheme is also discussed.

17. Water metering and automation

The role of water metering and automation in conserving water is discussed. Forbes Marshall's technologies in this field are presented. Information on instruments like Magnetic Flow Meters, Electromagnetic Flow Meter, their application and installation is provided.

Download the presentations: