Water crisis in Delhi: Did you know that five of the world’s 20 largest cities facing severe water stress are in India, with Delhi ranking second on the list? This is according to the Composite Water Management Index released by NITI Aayog in 2019.
As we all know, Delhi suffered one of its most extreme heatwaves recently in May 2024 with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some areas. The extreme weather claims more than 30 human lives in a single month. Sadly, Delhi was unable to meet this increased demand and even the most basic water needs of the city’s population are not being met.
In our endeavour to combat water scarcity in the national capital using technology, we spoke to Mr. Advait Kumar, the founder of BOON.
Delhi’s modern water initiatives in 2024
Delhi is at the forefront of investing in modern water purification and desalination technologies aimed at conserving and increasing water availability. Among these innovations, smart water purifiers are at the forefront with multi-stage water filters that can effectively remove all harmful impurities while using a minimum amount of water.
The Internet of Things (IoT) helps in maintaining continuous monitoring of water quality and system health at homes, hotels or corporate establishments as it can be done in real-time and thus ensures standard performance. Governments are actively collaborating with startups to install water ATMs at different locations. These water ATMs are equipped with IoT to monitor water quality and filter status to maintain functionality and water supply.
In addition, the issue of brine (sodium chloride) production as a byproduct of desalination is being creatively managed to reduce potential negative impacts on the environment. Safe ways of discharging brine are being explored to avoid negative impacts on marine life, thereby improving the sustainability of desalination as a source of water supply to urban areas.
Delhi’s water revolution: from ATMs to smart infrastructure
The Delhi government is collaborating with technology companies to scale up innovative water management solutions aimed at improving access to clean water and reducing wastage.
One notable initiative is the installation of water ATMs in public spaces in Delhi. These ATMs are being developed in collaboration with technology startups and replace traditional open water taps, which often result in significant water wastage and health risks. By offering drinking water at a nominal cost per litre, water ATMs democratise access to clean water and minimise wastage.
Additionally, the government is working with technology companies to improve the city’s water infrastructure by installing smart water meters and IoT-enabled devices across the water distribution network. Through these partnerships, the government aims to leverage technology to create a more sustainable and resilient water management system in Delhi, ensuring that the city’s growing water needs are met in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
How data analytics and IoT are revolutionizing water management in Delhi?
Data analytics is a vital tool for managing Delhi’s water resources and predicting future water needs, and plays a key role in addressing the city’s water challenges. By integrating data analytics with IoT-enabled devices and smart water meters, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) can collect and analyse vast amounts of data on water consumption, flow rates and system status.
This data is used to identify consumption patterns, detect inefficiencies and forecast future demand based on factors such as population growth, seasonal variations and historical trends.
Real-time monitoring systems, including SCADA and GIS, further improve water management by providing continuous data on the city’s water distribution network. This enables early detection of leaks, pressure drops, and contamination events, allowing for rapid responses and reducing non-revenue water (NRW) losses.
In addition, data analytics supports strategic planning and policy development by providing useful insights into resource allocation and sustainability initiatives. Predictive models help anticipate water shortages and plan accordingly, ensuring that water resources are effectively managed to meet the city’s growing demand.
Challenges in the adoption of new water technologies
One of the main challenges is the reliance on conventional water management systems, such as large water tanks and 20-litre jerry cans, which are inefficient and contribute to microplastic pollution. The transition to more sustainable alternatives, such as smart water purifiers and IoT-enabled systems, requires significant investment and public awareness campaigns.
Another problem is the widespread use of inefficient water purifiers that waste up to 85% of water during the filtration process. To address this problem, the government should introduce guidelines to restrict the sale of such designs and promote the adoption of water-saving technologies.
Maintaining water purification and management systems is another hurdle. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the optimal functioning of these systems, but is often neglected. IoT-enabled devices can play a key role in this regard by providing timely alerts on necessary maintenance, thereby preventing system failures and reducing downtime.
To achieve a sustainable water future, Delhi must focus on improving its water infrastructure, encouraging the adoption of smart technologies and ensuring strict regulatory measures to promote water conservation and efficiency.
Future solutions for the water crisis in the era of climate change
Significant advances in water management are expected over the next five years, driven by climate change and the growing demand for sustainable water solutions. These advances will be facilitated by the central role played by technology in overcoming the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring a secure water future.
Smart water purifiers are expected to dominate the market, equipped with advanced features that monitor water quality and system status in real-time, ensuring the highest standards of water purification with minimal waste. These devices will become standard in homes, businesses, and public institutions, contributing to widespread water conservation efforts.
Integrating IoT into the water network will enable comprehensive control of water distribution and quality management. Together with AI-based data analytics, this will enable accurate predictions of water demand throughout the year, enabling more effective resource allocation and planning.
In addition, developments are planned in water purification systems specific to each geographical area. These systems will be adapted to the water quality and mineral content of the different regions, ensuring that water treatment is efficient and sustainable.
Alarming conditions in Delhi:
A recent report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlights a critical situation: 99.1 per cent of Delhi’s net annual groundwater recharge has been withdrawn. According to The Economic Times, the report reveals that Delhi’s net annual groundwater recharge for 2023 was 0.38 billion cubic metres (bcm), with only 0.34 bcm available for withdrawal. Despite the reduced recharge, groundwater withdrawal in Delhi has increased significantly, from 98.16 per cent in 2022 to 99.13 per cent in 2023.
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