BW Sustainability World

Rapid urbanization and the emergence of smart cities demand innovative solutions to address critical water challenges like scarcity, quality, and sustainability. Smart water systems, powered by technologies such as IoT, machine learning, and big data, offer a transformative approach to water management by ensuring efficient usage, preventing wastage, and maintaining quality.

Why Smart Water Systems Matter

Urban growth is straining traditional water infrastructure. Key drivers for adopting smart water solutions include:

  1. Water Scarcity: Overexploitation and climate change exacerbate shortages.
  2. Aging Infrastructure: Leaks in legacy systems lead to significant wastage.
  3. Rising Demand: Urbanization and industrialization increase water needs.
  4. Sustainability Goals: ESG initiatives drive the push for sustainable water systems.

Key Smart Water Technologies

  1. IoT Sensors: Monitor water flow, quality, and detect leaks in real time.
  2. Big Data Analytics: Predictive maintenance and demand forecasting optimize resource use.
  3. Smart Meters: Enable real-time consumption tracking and promote conservation.
  4. Decentralized Systems: Solutions like Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) provide localized water sources, reducing pressure on centralized systems.
  5. AI Decision-Making: Optimizes distribution, detects inefficiencies, and aids urban planning.

The Role of AWGs

Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) harness condensation to provide drinking water, aligning with the smart city vision. They:

  • Offer localized water sources, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint.
  • Enhance reliability during emergencies.
  • Support sustainable water access for schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing smart water systems requires addressing hurdles like high initial investments, data security, interoperability, and public acceptance. Partnerships between public and private sectors and flexible, scalable solutions are key to overcoming these barriers.

A Vision for Water-Smart Cities

Smart water systems revolutionize urban water management by integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices. Goals include universal access, zero water waste, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

By investing in these innovations and fostering collaboration, we can build water-smart cities that meet the needs of growing populations while safeguarding the environment.

For the full article, click here.

Addressing a Global Challenge with Innovation!

Our world faces an urgent water crisis, affecting billions. It’s a scenario that requires immediate action, innovative thinking, and global collaboration. Inspired by the ancient concept of ‘Akrasia’ — the act of knowing what is right but not acting upon it — we are determined to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

In this video, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems discusses the harsh reality of water scarcity, the universal need for sustainable solutions, and how Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems is rising to meet this challenge. The Atmospheric Water Generation Systems represents more than just technological innovation; they are a beacon of hope, turning air into life-sustaining water.

Let’s move from inaction to impact, from scarcity to abundance. Share your thoughts, your actions, and let’s spread the word.

Together, we can create a future where access to clean water is a reality for all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMYCWhGrPn4

Water crisis hits Bangalore!

Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, is currently facing one of its most challenging adversaries – the water crisis. With dwindling water resources and insufficient supply, residents are grappling with the daily struggle of securing even the most basic necessity of life – water. 

Current Scenario in Bangalore

The water crisis in Bengaluru has escalated to a critical level, with residents resorting to extreme measures to cope. The city, once known for its pleasant climate and lush greenery, is now characterized by parched landscapes and depleted water reserves. Suburban areas like Babusapalya are heavily reliant on water tankers for their daily needs, but even this vital resource has become scarce in recent months.

Residents are facing a myriad of challenges, from high tanker rates to irregular water supply. Despite government interventions like fixed rates for tankers, the problem persists due to high demand and logistical issues. The situation is dire for families, especially those with infants, who struggle to meet their basic hygiene needs. 

The water crisis has permeated every aspect of daily life in Bengaluru. From limited bathing routines to the reliance on treated water for non-drinking purposes, residents are forced to adapt their lifestyles to conserve water. Hospitals, too, are feeling the strain, with facilities like Brookfield Hospital relying on water recycling to meet their needs. Bengaluru needs 2,600-2,800 million liters of water daily and the current supply is half of what’s required. The result is a daily struggle for the city’s residents. 

Initiatives

While the government has taken steps to address the crisis, including fixing tanker rates and implementing fines for misuse of drinking water, criticism abounds regarding the efficacy of these measures. Meanwhile, long-term solutions like the Mahadayi project offer hope for alleviating the city’s water woes, but progress remains sluggish.

Amidst the chaos, voices of resilience emerge from the community. Residents recognize the need for collective action and call for sustainable solutions that extend beyond government intervention. Initiatives like water conservation efforts and online water supply platforms showcase the community’s determination to combat the crisis together.

The water crisis in Bengaluru is not merely a temporary inconvenience but a wake-up call for comprehensive action. As residents endure hardships and authorities grapple with solutions, the need for concerted efforts towards sustainable water management becomes increasingly urgent.

Simple Solution?

Akvo Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) have the potential to positively impact the water crisis in Bangalore in several ways:

Localized Water Production: Akvo AWGs can produce water directly from the atmosphere, providing a localized and reliable source of clean drinking water. This reduces dependency on external water sources such as rivers and groundwater, which are currently overstressed and depleting rapidly in Bangalore.

Diverse Applications: These AWGs can be deployed in various settings, including residential areas, commercial complexes, and hospitals. By providing access to clean water at the point of use, Akvo AWGs can alleviate the burden on existing water infrastructure and reduce the need for costly water transportation via tankers.

Energy Efficiency: Akvo AWGs utilize advanced technologies to extract water from the atmosphere with minimal energy consumption. Compared to traditional water purification methods, such as reverse osmosis or distillation, AWGs require lower energy inputs, making them cost-effective and environmentally sustainable in the long run.

Community Empowerment: By decentralizing water production, Akvo AWGs empower communities to take control of their water supply. This reduces reliance on centralized water distribution systems, which are often prone to inefficiencies. Communities can tailor the use of Akvo AWGs to their specific needs, ensuring equitable access to clean water for all residents.

In summary, Akvo Atmospheric Water Generators offer a promising solution to the water crisis in Bangalore by providing localized, clean water production that is resilient to climate fluctuations and energy-efficient. By integrating AWGs into existing water management strategies, Bangalore can mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and ensure a more sustainable future for its residents.

Link to article: https://www.ndtv.com/bangalore-news/bengaluru-water-crisis-bengaluru-residents-hospitals-cry-for-help-as-water-reserves-dwindle-5229006

Creating Water from Air: An ESG-Friendly Solution to Combat Water Scarcity

In a world grappling with the impact of climate change and water scarcity, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more pressing. The traditional methods of obtaining water may not be sufficient to meet the growing demands of an expanding global population. However, a promising and environmentally friendly technology has emerged – creating water from air. This innovative approach not only addresses water scarcity but also aligns perfectly with the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) responsibility. In this blog, we explore how this sustainable technology can play a vital role in combating water scarcity while promoting a greener future.

Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Water scarcity is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today. With changing weather patterns and increasing temperatures due to climate change, many regions are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, leading to depleted water sources. Traditional freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers, are under immense pressure, and their rapid depletion threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. The urgency to address this crisis demands innovative and sustainable solutions that can adapt to the changing climate.

The Promise of Creating Water from Air: Creating water from air, also known as atmospheric water generation, is an ingenious technology that taps into the Earth’s abundant resource – the atmosphere. The atmosphere contains vast amounts of water vapor, and this technology leverages condensation principles to extract and convert that vapor into liquid water suitable for various uses. Solar energy or other renewable energy sources can power the process, making it a green energy solution with low environmental impact.

Environmental and Social Impact: This sustainable technology presents a plethora of environmental benefits. By relying on renewable energy sources, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lessens the carbon footprint, making it a significant step towards mitigating climate change. Moreover, this technology can operate independently of traditional water infrastructure, avoiding the need for costly and resource-intensive pipelines or desalination plants. Consequently, it can provide access to clean drinking water in remote and underserved regions, promoting social equity and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.

ESG-Friendly and Socially Responsible: The principles of ESG are gaining traction across industries, and investing in sustainable technologies is increasingly becoming a priority for socially responsible companies. Creating water from air checks all the boxes for an ESG-friendly solution. Companies that adopt and invest in this technology demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and long-term social impact. This not only helps companies build a positive public image but also attracts environmentally conscious investors, driving financial support for further research and implementation.

As water scarcity continues to intensify in the face of climate change, the importance of adopting sustainable water solutions cannot be overstated. Creating water from air is a promising technology that offers an environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to combat water scarcity. By harnessing renewable energy sources, this innovative method not only addresses the challenges posed by climate change but also aligns with ESG principles. As we work towards a greener and more sustainable future, investing in and promoting technologies like creating water from air becomes imperative to ensure access to clean water for all and preserve the planet for generations to come.

 

Business Standard

Water scarcity has become a global concern, with incidents such as Day Zero in Cape Town (2018) serving as stark reminders of the urgency of this issue. Transporting drinkable water to regions affected by natural disasters, especially equatorial areas during summer, remains a challenge. India faces its own water crisis, with cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Shimla, and Chennai projected to exhaust groundwater reserves by 2030, as highlighted in a report by Niti Aayog.

In April this year, water scarcity triggered mass migration in rural Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district. Moreover, the groundwater contribution to the Ganga River is expected to decrease over the next three decades, potentially impacting 115 million people in the Ganga basin, according to IIT Kharagpur.

Such issues require innovative solutions. One promising approach is the Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology developed by AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd, under the leadership of Mr. Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO.

How AKVO Tackles Water Scarcity

AKVO AWGs generate pure drinking water by extracting and purifying humidity from the air. These machines come in various sizes, catering to both community and industrial needs:

  • Capacity: Machines produce between 100 and 10,000 liters per day.
  • Cost: AKVO water costs INR 1.75–2.00 per liter, significantly cheaper than market rates (INR 15–20 per liter).

Impactful Deployments of AKVO AWG Machines

  1. Rural Communities:
    • A 1000-liter machine was installed in Hardua Mangarh, Madhya Pradesh, addressing the water needs of a village that relied on a 200-year-old well.
  2. Industrial Use:
    • Six machines have been installed at the IOCL refinery in Haldia, decentralizing water availability across its 300-acre area.
  3. Hydroponics:
    • Customizable machines support water demands for hydroponic farming, meeting specific mineral and volume requirements.
  4. Global Reach:
    • AKVO AWG machines gained international recognition at the International Water Summit (2018 & 2019) in Abu Dhabi and have been installed by Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) in the Middle East.

A Green, Cost-Efficient Solution for the Future

AKVO AWG machines operate without water wastage and consume just one unit of electricity per hour. Unlike desalination, which damages marine ecosystems, AKVO offers an eco-friendly alternative, making it ideal for tropical and coastal regions.

“Our vision is a future where no one suffers from water scarcity,” says Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO. “We aim to deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions that protect water resources while meeting the needs of diverse communities.”

Explore how AKVO AWGs are transforming water access across India and beyond. Discover the full original article here.

The Airports Authority of India, Lakshadweep

The Airports Authority of India or AAI is a statutory body, under the ownership of, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.

AAI airport at Lakshadweep was looking for a solution to generate water as there were very scarce source of water hence Akvo installed one 500 LPD unit to provide water for their need.

Eco-Intelligent.com

Water is a big crisis in today’s world. It doesn’t matter where you live or how lavishly you live; you are going to face the brunt of the water crisis now or at some point in the future.

The problem remains acute in India and the crisis is only growing. Despite relying on a variety of water resources like rivers, above ground storage structures and groundwater, we are still not able to provide sufficient water to the people of this country to meet their daily requirements. Continue reading “Eco-Intelligent.com”

Clean Future

Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems has been working since 2016 to design and manufacture a product which would utilize the moisture in the air and condense it to produce fresh drinking water.

With an initial investment of Rs 5 crore, bootstrapped to the founding team, it manufactures its products in West Bengal and has been selling them in the market since May 2018.

The equipment has a refrigeration system and heat exchangers which help achieve right temperatures to form condensate when air is sucked and brought into the system.

The condensate is then collected and dispensed for use, explains Navkaran Singh Bagga, founder and CEO of the company.

The products are designed to run at temperatures ranging from 10-degree Celsius to 60-degree Celsius with humidity factor of 30-80%, making it a viable model to deploy in coastal and hilly areas, especially in tropical countries that are rich in atmospheric moisture content.

The machines are rated for different run times and generation capacities. For example, one model can run for 24 hours and produce 100 liters in ideal condition.

It draws 250Wh of energy per liter of water generated which also reduces the stress on the grid when runs on power generated from localized renewable sources.

One of the early adopters of this product is Indian Oil refinery in Haldia, near Kolkata. The product has helped decentralize water availability on a massive 300-acre area, enabling workers to access drinking water at six locations.

The Madhya Pradesh government has also taken a 1000-litre system to supply water to Hardua Mangarh village in Damoh district.

The company is also expanding to West Asia. Gulf region will be his major focus in the next couple of years.

Currently, the company has a revenue of around Rs 1.5 crore but with an expanding distribution network and new markets in the Gulf, it expects to hit its target of Rs 12 crore in the coming financial year.

Discover the full story behind Akvo’s innovative journey and its groundbreaking technology here.

India’s Water Crisis Explained

In India, the rate at which groundwater supplies are depleting is shocking. More groundwater is being consumed than the natural processes that replenish them.  It’s not surprising, given the population of the country, that we are the largest users of ground water in the world, just behind China. The 2030 Water Resources Group, made up of private companies, argues that the “water gap” (between insufficient supply and excess demand) in Asia will only close once countries limit the water-intensity of their economies. Continue reading “India’s Water Crisis Explained”

 Akvo Water from Air Pilot Program – Damoh, MP

Hardua Mangarh, a small village in Damoh faces drought on a regular basis and coupled with depleting ground water available, the local Government has been fighting water crisis for the past few years. With no source of water, providing safe drinking water to the local population has become a challenge. 

On August 2018, the local government sought Akvo’s Air to water technology to test its water from air machines in a pilot program to meet the drinking water demands. Akvo in coordination with the local authorities installed its Akvo 365K machine, a 1000 Liter of water from air per day machine thus ensuring continuous supply of uninterrupted safe drinking water for local population of Hardua Mangarh.

After the completion of the pilot program more Akvo Atmospheric water generators will be installed in strategic locations to fulfil the drinking water demand.