Quantification of domestic water supply in large Indian cities

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the nature of Quantification in domestic water supply system, roles of metering and their linkages to the water accounting. Quantification means a complete process of measurement for domestic water supply system of the city, which includes working out measurements of water at various stages in the system and recording it in the water table or water account to the size of ULB. This generates reports required for the auditing and publishing purpose for various stake holders including decision makers working on system improvements. Water management can be done in two ways - Active and Passive. This research inclines towards the active approach. The research aims to provide insights about the types of information and analysis needed for efficient management and optimization of domestic water supply. It also targets to highlight the insights required that may help to establish the high level of sensitivity of decisions and accuracy of the information. The goal of this research study is not only to develop knowledge about water accounting as a core discipline within the context of domestic water supply quantification, but also to connect professional practice in the field with academic knowledge. The thesis also covers a wide note on reforms and strategy to improve the efficiency of the water services. Domestic water supply in India needs attention on both, adequacy and quality. Adequacy can be addressed by improving system efficiency in a cost effective manner. The evidence, however, points to inefficiencies in water management for leak detection and UFW up to 42%. This is the state of affairs in spite of sophisticated metering systems and a considerably good database in the city of Bangalore (case study). Despite several actions taken by BWSSB, this continues without a change as there is a lack of proper water accounts and little political concern on such issues. Meanwhile in Ahmedabad (case study), a city without metering for water and poor data base leads to a failure