Water is a vital resource for all sectors of society, and its use and management require significant amounts of energy, contributing to CO2 emissions. Enhancing water use efficiency can have a substantial impact on decarbonization. In the Indian context, focusing on agricultural and industrial sectors is crucial, as these sectors account for the majority of water use.
Current Scenario
India faces significant challenges related to water use and management. The country is home to 16% of the world's population but has only 4% of the world's freshwater resources. Efficient water use is essential to meet the growing demand from agriculture, industry, and domestic sectors.
Key Statistics
Water Availability
- India has about 1,500 cubic meters of water available per capita annually, categorizing it as a water-stressed country.
- Total water consumption in India is approximately 750 billion cubic meters per year.
Agricultural Sector
- Agriculture accounts for approximately 80% of India’s total water consumption, using around 600 billion cubic meters annually.
- Only about 35% of irrigated land in India uses efficient irrigation methods like drip or sprinkler systems. The majority still rely on flood irrigation, which is less efficient and leads to significant water wastage.
Industrial Sector
- Industries consume about 10% of the total water usage, equivalent to approximately 75 billion cubic meters annually.
- The water intensity in many Indian industries, particularly textiles, chemicals, and steel, is higher compared to global standards due to outdated technologies and practices.
Domestic Sector
- The domestic sector accounts for the remaining 10% of water consumption, using around 75 billion cubic meters annually.
- Urban areas in India face significant water supply challenges, with nearly 50% of urban water supply being non-revenue water due to leaks and unauthorized connections.
Energy Consumption in Water Management
- Water Pumping: Annually, water pumping in India consumes about 16 TWh of electricity, which accounts for about 2% of the total electricity demand. Additionally, it consumes around 2 million tonnes of diesel annually, approximately 3% of the total diesel consumption.
- Wastewater Treatment: In India, wastewater treatment is limited, with only 37% of urban sewage being treated, leading to significant environmental pollution and energy inefficiency.
Key Technology
Digital Technology for Water Conservation
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Using IoT and AI to monitor soil moisture and weather conditions can optimize water use in agriculture. This can lead to water savings of up to 30% and reduce energy consumption for irrigation.
- Digital Water Management: Implementing digital water management solutions in industries can improve water use efficiency and reduce waste. Companies like Tata Steel have implemented smart water management systems that have reduced water consumption by 20%.
Modular & Efficient Irrigation Systems
- Drip Irrigation: Promoting drip irrigation systems can significantly enhance water use efficiency in agriculture. Drip irrigation can reduce water use by up to 60% compared to traditional methods.
- Precision Agriculture: Using satellite imagery and data analytics to optimize water use for crops can reduce water and energy consumption in agriculture.
Leak Detection Solutions
Automation in Industrial Water Use
- Automated Water Systems: Automation in industrial processes can optimize water use and reduce waste. For instance, automated cooling systems in thermal power plants can reduce water use by 20%.
- Recycling and Reuse: Industries can implement water recycling and reuse systems to minimize freshwater use. The pharmaceutical company Biocon has implemented zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, recycling 90% of its wastewater.
Waterless Technologies
- Waterless Solar Panels: Using waterless and self-cleaning solar panels can reduce water use in solar power plants. This technology can save millions of liters of water annually.
- Dry Cooling Systems: Implementing dry cooling systems in power plants can significantly reduce water consumption, enhancing water use efficiency.
Case Studies
- Jain Irrigation Systems: Jain Irrigation Systems is a leading provider of drip irrigation systems in India. Their technology has helped farmers increase water use efficiency by up to 60%, leading to substantial water and energy savings.
- Tata Steel’s Water Management: Tata Steel has implemented smart water management systems in its plants, reducing water consumption by 20% and significantly lowering CO2 emissions. This initiative demonstrates the potential of digital technology in enhancing industrial water use efficiency.
- Biocon’s ZLD Systems: Biocon, a pharmaceutical company, has adopted zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems to recycle 90% of its wastewater. This practice not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required for water treatment.
