Non-revenue water (NRW) is one of the major issues faced by water supply systems. It is the water lost during the distribution process due to damaged infrastructure, pipe leakage, water theft or lack of metering infrastructure. In India, the average NRW level is around 38 per cent. As per industry estimates, this is upwards of the global average.
This issue has now taken a central position with utilities across the country focusing on the rapid reduction of NRW. One of the major goals of Water Vision 2047 is to reduce the national NRW level to 20 per cent by 2047. To achieve this, utilities across the country are working towards developing state-of-the-art water supply infrastructure. The National Water Mission is at the centre of this initiative. It aims to ensure integrated water resource management by conserving water, minimising wastage and ensuring more equitable distribution, both across and within states.
Technologies in place
Reducing NRW poses a critical challenge in the water management sector, as it represents water lost before reaching the customer due to leaks, theft or inaccuracies in metering and billing. Leveraging smart and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies can significantly aid NRW reduction by improving leak detection, optimising distribution networks, enhancing metering accuracy and enabling proactive maintenance.
Similarly, digital-based automation systems help streamline operations and monitoring and timely service provision. This can be done with the help of a range of technologies and advanced equipment such as radio frequency, microprocessors, flow sensors, pressure sensors, water level sensors, electrical conductivity/pH control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), water quality sensors, injectors, electronic smart water meters, controllers and internet/cell phone connectivity. These components, alongside specialised software, swiftly interpret data and execute commands efficiently. The digitally controlled systems also seamlessly integrate hardware and software components to facilitate the communication of data from the source to end-users with utmost precision and integrity.
Technologies being deployed
Smart water meters: Installation of smart water meters equipped with internet-of-things (IoT)-based sensors allows real-time monitoring of water flow and consumption patterns, aiding in identifying abnormal usage patterns, leakages and unauthorised water use.
AI leak detection systems: AI-based leak detection systems help analyse data from sensors and meters to detect leaks in the distribution network. Acoustic sensors, pressure sensors and flow meters can be utilised to accurately pinpoint leak locations.
Predictive analytics: Predictive analytics can be used to analyse historical data to predict potential leak locations or areas prone to water loss, allowing prioritisation of maintenance efforts and infrastructure upgrades to prevent future leaks.
Remote sensing: Satellite imagery, drones and other remote sensing technologies can be employed to detect water leakages from pipelines and infrastructure, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas.
Network monitoring and control systems: Implementing SCADA systems enables real-time monitoring and control of water distribution networks. AI algorithms optimise water flow, pressure and distribution to minimise losses.
Data analytics platforms: Utilisation of big data analytics platforms can help process large volumes of data from various sources such as meters, sensors and GIS to identify patterns, trends and anomalies related to NRW.
Blockchain technology: The implementation of blockchain-based systems for metering and billing can enhance transparency and accountability, reducing the likelihood of water theft and billing errors.
ML for meter data analysis: Machine learning (ML) algorithms analyse meter data to identify discrepancies, anomalies and potential instances of water theft or tampering.
Asset management systems: AI-driven asset management systems prioritise infrastructure maintenance and replacement based on predictive analytics, minimising the risk of leaks and failures.
Customer engagement solutions: Mobile apps and web portals empower customers to monitor their water usage in real time, detect leaks within their premises and report issues promptly, fostering a collaborative approach to NRW reduction.
Integrating these smart and AI-based technologies into water management systems enables utilities to effectively reduce NRW, conserve water resources and enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
Technological intervention by ULBs
In the quest to tackle NRW, technology emerges as a crucial facilitator, offering innovative solutions to mitigate the multifaceted challenges associated with water loss. Through the deployment of smart solutions driven by AI and ML, alongside advanced tools such as remote monitoring systems, smart meters, data analytics and leak detection technologies, water utilities can significantly enhance their capacity to detect, quantify and address water losses.
Historically, water supply systems have been managed manually by local administrations such as gram panchayats, municipal councils and metropolitan corporations, resulting in fragmented approaches and several deficiencies. These include inconsistent water supply, inadequate water quality control, revenue losses, and insufficient operation and maintenance practices. To address these challenges comprehensively, the Government of India has embarked on initiatives to digitise water supply systems, recognising digital control of water supply as a vital component of essential services. The integration of technology not only enables real-time monitoring and management of water distribution networks, but also facilitates proactive measures to identify and rectify potential sources of NRW. Furthermore, technological advancements empower utilities to optimise asset performance, improve operational efficiency and engage consumers in conservation endeavours.
Through digital automation initiatives, the government aims to streamline water distribution, enhance water quality monitoring, optimise revenue generation and establish robust operation and maintenance protocols. By transitioning to digital control mechanisms, water supply systems can evolve into more efficient, transparent and accountable entities, ensuring equitable access to clean water. For instance, the Tiruchi Corporation has been selected by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to spearhead a model project aimed at detecting and mitigating losses in drinking water distribution through AI. The project is expected to develop a solution for smart water resource management with the help of AI to detect and prevent water leakage in the supply network, and develop and employ advanced technologies and management strategies to cope with physical water losses during distribution systems, resulting in 24×7 water supply. Similarly, in Goa, plans are under way to implement an IoT-based water quality management system, a move designed to eliminate human error while providing real-time, cost-effective data monitoring solutions. This new system will help analyse the data and plan improvements in the system accordingly.
In Chandigarh, the Manimajra 24×7 water supply scheme stands as an example of innovation within the broader framework of the Chandigarh 24×7 water supply project. Under this pilot initiative, a significant milestone has been reached with the successful installation of approximately 9,800 smart water meters, out of the total planned 13,700 (as of December 2023), resulting in savings on manual reading, and allowing daily and monthly readings of water consumption. Likewise, in Pune, the 24×7 water supply scheme has witnessed the installation of around 0.15 million water meters out of the intended 0.32 million. The Pune Municipal Corporation plans to install another 0.10 million water meters by March 31, 2025. This will result in equitable water supply and real-time monitoring of the water distribution.
Conclusion
To tackle NRW in India, a multifaceted approach is required, with technology being a pivotal facilitator. Leveraging smart solutions driven by AI, ML and advanced tools such as smart meters and leak detection technologies, water utilities can significantly enhance their capacity to detect, quantify and address water losses. The integration of digital automation not only enables real-time monitoring and management of water distribution networks, but also facilitates proactive measures to optimise asset performance and engage consumers in conservation efforts. These technological interventions mark a transformative shift towards sustainable water management practices, ensuring equitable access to clean water while bolstering resilience against evolving challenges.