As the extent and population of Indian metro cities expand, so do the challenges associated with their water distribution networks. Key cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad are facing several hurdles in ensuring regular water supply to all areas. These issues range from water contamination due to ageing infrastructure, intermittent supply and non-revenue water (NRW) losses, to inequitable distribution owing to sub optimal water pressure. This has necessitated their urban local bodies (ULBs) to integrate basic technological tools as well as deploy more evolved and advanced digital equipment and platforms. Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) are actively pursuing such initiatives and strengthening their water network management.
DJB
The current water demand in Delhi is approximately 1,260 million gallons per day (mgd), serving a population of around 21 million. DJB supplies around 1,000 mgd of water to the city, of which 865 mgd is surface water and 135 mgd is groundwater. It has 10 functional water treatment plants (WTPs) and also supplies water through Ranney wells and tube wells with a pipeline network of over 15,000 km. In addition, the water board is making use of recycled water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, horticulture and washing, and around 243 mgd has been used for artificial lakes and other purposes. It is also serving water–deficit areas in the city through water tankers. Overall, approximately 1,200 water tankers have been deployed.
DJB has made several important technological advancements in its water treatment facilities and network. It has implemented supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems at its Sonia Vihar, Bhagirathi, Okhla and Dwarka WTPs and has set up a centralised data centre at its head office in Jhandewalan, Delhi. This centre receives real-time online data, enabling live monitoring of the water distribution system and improving leakage management. Through this, a single operator can manage plant operations from a control room while the system helps in recording key parameters for analysis and water optimisation. Its control panels are also equipped with eight hours of backup power for uninterrupted operation. Additionally, around 3,000 flow meters have been installed at strategic distribution nodes of the water mains to collect real-time hydraulic data. Connected with SCADA, they help in mapping pressure and flow variations over a 24-hour cycle, which helps in planning the water supply system effectively.
BMC
The water supply system in Mumbai is more than 150 years old and serves a population of around 13 million, including unauthorised and floating populations. The water main network is approximately 4,000 km long with 615 leak detection zones. There are three master balancing reservoirs of different capacities in the city and a 450 km-long secondary water network, ranging from 450 mm to 3,000 mm in diameter. There is a water tunnel network of 55 km with a diameter of 2,200-5,500 mm. Further, BMC supplies around 3,850 million litres per day of water in the city for domestic, industrial and commercial use.
In a bid to maintain and manage this dynamic water distribution system, BMC is focusing on the important and sensitive aspect of data management. It undertakes both quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the water network. Quantitative monitoring is carried out through a master control centre and secondary controls at various locations, such as the eastern suburb (Ghatkopar), the western suburb (Vile Parle), the city centre (Malabar Hill) and outside the city (Kapurbawadi Thane). It has also implemented a SCADA system along with flow meters, pressure transmitters and level sensors. Similarly, qualitative monitoring is being done to control and improve water quality, facilitating the distribution of quality water as per the norms and standards.
AUDA
Efforts to supply continuous water in Ahmedabad started around six to seven years ago with the uptake of a pilot 24×7 water supply project. Four 24×7 water zones have been successfully implemented despite several political and administrative challenges. AUDA has deployed SCADA to ensure 24×7 water supply in the city. It has also surveyed the peri-urban areas that are now included under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. It will design a similar water supply system for these areas and has taken a loan from the Asian Development Bank to implement water supply, drainage, stormwater disposal and other systems.
Some of AUDA’s technological interventions include the installation of smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure, automated meter reading (AMR), ultrasonic meters, flow sensors and data loggers. Other noteworthy initiatives include the integration of the water network with internet of things (IoT), data analytics for better decision-making and monitoring of water quality.
Emerging focus areas
As the water sector evolves, the scope of new trends such as advancements in sensor technologies, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin technology, blockchain, and remote monitoring and control is growing. The three mega cities are also advancing towards digital transformation. The upcoming water supply projects in Bopal-Ghuma, Shela and Sanand in Ahmedabad are being integrated with the SCADA facility and AMR systems. These have been planned by AUDA surrounding the five growth centres in Ahmedabad. These growth centres have been surveyed and analysed for future development, and the adoption of a new metering system will reduce the corruption associated with mechanical meter reading.
Similarly, AI-based solutions are being implemented by DJB for fault prognosis at the field level. A facial recognition technology is also being deployed for security enhancement at the water network and plant levels, which will restrict the entry of unauthorised persons at water treatment facilities. In addition, existing networks are being digitised, assets are being tagged, and integrated command and control rooms are being established to ensure greater safety and more streamlined operations. Furthermore, robots and drones with specialised sensors are planned to be used for inspection, contamination detection and cleaning tasks in confined spaces. Moreover, data analytics and automation are being implemented across field operations, project management and administrative tasks to efficiently utilise water data.
Likewise, BMC is planning to develop a long-term robust water network system. It is conducting water network surveys and hydraulic simulations of the water supply zones. It is also setting up a permanent leak detection and NRW assessment system to ensure equitable water distribution. Some of its other digital initiatives are customer relationship management, capacity building, asset management, and capacity quality assurance and reporting. Its focus areas in the future will include smart metering and sensing, advanced analytics, and AI, particularly for wastewater management. Further, a geographic information system is also being used while remote monitoring, sensing and IoT-based devices are planned to be adopted.
Going forward, software for asset management and predictive maintenance will also become critical parts of the sector. These would help in reducing water losses by improving leak detection systems. Additionally, energy-efficient solutions that incorporate renewable energy in projects would be necessary, as exemplified by BMC, which has already incorporated solar systems at dams.
Based on remarks by representatives from DJB, BMC and AUDA at a recent India Infrastructure conference
