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Transforming Air into Water: How Akvo is Solving the Water Crisis

Access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge in many parts of the world. In Hardua Mangarh, a village in Madhya Pradesh, residents struggled daily for safe water. Women and children walked miles to collect water, often from contaminated sources. The dry months made water even scarcer.

This changed when Akvo, led by Navkaran Singh Bagga, introduced Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology. Instead of relying on wells, rivers, or government tankers, the villagers now generate their own drinking water—directly from the air.

Who is Navkaran Singh Bagga?

At 38, Navkaran Singh Bagga, based in Kolkata, transitioned from family businesses in steel, hospitality, and trade to water technology. Around 2016-17, he identified water scarcity as a critical global issue. Discovering Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), he saw an opportunity to create water from air, independent of existing sources, and developed solutions for industrial and community use.

How Does It Work?

The AWG system mimics nature’s condensation cycle. It pulls in air, filters dust and contaminants, then cools it to dew point, turning vapor into liquid. The water undergoes multi-stage filtration, including UV sterilization, before being made available for consumption.

Overcoming Challenges

Many were skeptical of drawing water from air. Additionally, the technology needed optimization for drier climates. Bagga’s team worked on improving efficiency, affordability, and integrating AWGs with solar power for off-grid solutions, aiming to make air-to-water technology mainstream.

A Sustainable Future

“Climate change is making traditional water sources unreliable,” says Bagga. “But air is everywhere—if we tap into it efficiently, we can create water where it’s needed.”

Akvo is driving towards a future where clean water is accessible without depleting natural resources. By merging innovation with sustainability, AWG technology has the potential to revolutionize water accessibility worldwide.

To read the full article, click here.

Chennai – Empowering a corporate giant with on-site water generation

Location: Chennai
Usage: Drinking water supply for a large corporate headquarters
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A major corporate headquartered in Chennai, employing over 5,000 people, required a reliable, high volume water solution that could keep pace with its growing needs. The traditional reliance on municipal water supplies posed a risk of shortages and disruptions, making it imperative to find a self-sufficient alternative.

Solution

Akvo installed 60 Water Blocks on the rooftop, each generating 500 litres of water per day. This modular setup, producing a total of 30,000 litres daily, was connected to multiple distribution points across the headquarters, ensuring a steady low of fresh water for all employees, visitors, and operational needs.

Impact

– Self-Suficiency: The company gained complete control over its water supply, eliminating dependence on external sources and mitigating the risk of water scarcity.
– Enhanced Sustainability: By generating water on-site, the corporate reduced its environmental footprint, supporting its broader sustainability goals.
– Team Well-Being: A consistent supply of high-quality drinking water & enhancing workplace health.

Gujarat – Redefining industrial water solutions for employee welfare

Location: Gujarat
Usage: Drinking water for factory employees
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

The largest glass bottle manufacturer in Gujarat, employing thousands, faced a persistent challenge: ensuring the availability of safe drinking water in a region where groundwater resources were both scarce and compromised. A reliable, decentralised solution was essential to safeguard employee health and productivity.

Solution

Akvo deployed multiple 500 LPD AWGs across the factory premises, strategically installing them on rooftops and connecting them to various distribution points throughout the facility. This setup ensured that every employee had easy access to fresh drinking water, regardless of their location within the factory.

Impact

– Employee Health and Safety: The provision of clean drinking water reduced health risks and absenteeism, contributing to a more productive workforce.
– Operational Eficiency: The decentralised system eliminated the logistical complexities of transporting water, ensuring consistent availability at a lower operational cost.
– Sustainability Leadership: By adopting a renewable water generation model, the company positioned itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Bengaluru – Revolutionising corporate water supply with WOW (Water on Want)

Location: Bengaluru
Usage: Corporate water supply through a pay per-litre model
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A leading corporate in Bengaluru, catering to thousands of employees, faced the dual challenge of ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water while managing costs and environmental impact. The conventional approach of procuring bottled water was not only expensive but also contributed to significant plastic waste, contradicting the company’s sustainability goals.

Solution

Akvo implemented its WoW (Water on Want) model, installing rooftop AWGs capable of producing 3000 liters per day. This innovative pay-per-litre BOOT (Build Own Operate-Transfer) setup allowed the corporate to access fresh water on demand, eliminating the need for bottled water. Multiple dispensers were strategically placed across the campus to ensure easy access for all employees.

Impact

– Sustainable Transformation: Reduced the use of single-use plastics by over 80%, aligning the company with its environmental commitments.
– Cost Efficiency: Achieved significant cost savings on water procurement and logistics, reinvesting the savings into employee welfare programs.
– Enhanced Employee Experience: Improved access to fresh, chilled water, contributing to employee satisfaction and productivity.