Blog: Congratulations , Angelo George

Congratulations , Angelo George

( CEO – Bisleri / angelo@bisleri.co.in )

For suggesting giving “ Water Green Credit “ to those who save water

Context :

‘Credit’ to water savers ……….. Business Line / 30 Aug 2023

Extract :

India relies heavily on groundwater, which is depleted due to over-extraction for irrigation, industrial and domestic use. Most of groundwater is used for agriculture and the balance for domestic and industrial use.

The nation confronts issues rooted in water-intensive crops, inefficient irrigation methods, leaky water distribution networks, and inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have led to widespread water pollution, contaminating rivers and groundwater, making it unsafe for consumption. Meanwhile, the distribution of water resources remains uneven, with some areas struggling with severe scarcity while others experience surplus.

Against this backdrop, India is looking at a fascinating concept called water green credit. It is designed to promote water conservation, harvesting, and usage efficiency, including wastewater treatment and reuse. Water green credit has the potential to profoundly influence water conservation and sustainable water management.

Optimising consumption

The fundamental idea of water green credit is that every entity consuming water should assume responsibility for optimising consumption and be accountable for restoring the quantity consumed.

Entities falling short of their obligations can then purchase these units for compensation. This market-driven mechanism mirrors the dynamics of carbon credits.

Water green credits emerge as an innovative strategy aimed at incentivising responsible water consumption and restoration. The methodology for generating credits should incorporate thresholds for each activity founded on resource equivalence to maximise its potential. Digital processes could ensure the seamless administration of the programme, encompassing registration, issuance of green credits, and trading.

Embracing the water green credit concept necessitates considering several factors:

The policy framework model should outline qualifying guidelines, criteria and benefits in terms of water green credit units. Rewards for water conservation efforts should vary based on terrain classifications like safe, critical and over-exploited.

The standards for water efficiency should be established across agriculture, industries and domestic use.

Water green credits encourage the adoption of efficient crop varieties, irrigation methods and techniques like drip irrigation, thereby motivating optimal irrigation schedules and soil moisture monitoring.

Implementing rainwater harvesting or restoration of water bodies will replenish the groundwater table.

Benchmarks for water intensity in the industrial sector should be defined, spurring the adoption of water-efficient technologies, closed-loop systems and water reuse practices. The pollution potential of industries should be factored in. Adopting water-efficient technologies and practices would receive impetus through water green credits. Also, the industry should get rewarded for investments to conserve water through check dams, irrigation systems, etc., created for public benefit.

Besides, it is critical to establish water efficiency benchmarks for commercial buildings, hotels, educational institutions, and hospitals. Water-efficient practices like recycled water for cleaning, waterless urinals, and implementing leak detection systems will be encouraged.

Public awareness campaigns regarding water conservation and the benefits of participating in water green credit programmes are essential.

It is time to set standards for water-efficient fixtures and appliances like star ratings of electrical appliances.

Water green credits would encourage the installation of rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling systems in residential buildings.

Collaboration among government agencies, private entities, NGOs, and institutions will drive the success of water green credits.

My Take :

Dear Shri Angelo ,

As you rightly observed, there is considerable similarity between , conservation of water and conservation of electricity.

BEE ( Bureau of Energy Efficiency ) is responsible for setting “ Efficiency Benchmarks / Thresholds “ for electric devices and appliances

We , urgently need a similar body for Water Usage Efficiency

Let us name it : B E W U C : Bureau of Efficient Water Usage and Conservation

Let B E W U C , bring out specifications for a SMART WATER METER , just like a Smart Electric Meter

Smart Water Meter will continuously monitor the water flowing out of each and every OUTLET – and compare it with the BENCHMARK flow

All water flowing through pipes is “ pumped “ – by a combination of a PUMP and an Electric Motor

Power consumed by the electric motor depends upon the “ pumping capacity “ of the coupled pump

And , through built-in “ Internet connected “ SENSORS , transmit this usage DATA to a Smart Electric Meter

Through “ benchmarks / quotas “ built into the SENSORS , water flow can be regulated by appropriate “ commands “ from Smart Electric Meter

Give Water Green Credit if the ACTUAL flow is less than the BENCHMARK – and DEBIT , if it is more

Details may be worked out as described in my following blog :

Ø Here comes : DEEES of My Dream…………………. 23 Aug 2023

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai / 02 Sept 2023

Thank You , Vishal Kapoor ………………………. 15 Aug 2023

A Pre-paid Electricity Meter ? …………………. 18 May 2017

Electrifying : Smartly ……………………………….. 25 Sept 2017

Smart Meter : No Pending Payments ?........ 08 Dec 2017

A Smart Move , Shri Singh ! …………………….. 07 June 2018

Welcome, Prepaid Smart Meters ………………. 25 Sept 2021

The Verdict : A is better than B… …………………..23 Aug 2023

India’s Water ( Di - ) Stress .. ……………………..20 Aug 2023

My past ( 17 ) blogs on WATER SCARCITY ( as on March 2022 ) … 19 Aug 2023

As per my custom , I asked BARD and ChatGPT , their opinion about my suggestion . Here are their replies :

BARD :

I think your extrapolation of earning carbon credits by measuring electricity consumption to measuring water consumption is feasible.

The concept of water green credits is similar to carbon credits in that it incentivizes individuals and organizations to conserve water resources.

By setting benchmarks for water consumption and rewarding those who meet or exceed those benchmarks, water green credits can help to reduce water use and promote water conservation.

The use of smart water meters is essential for implementing a water green credit program.

Smart water meters can track water usage in real time, which allows for accurate measurement of water consumption. They can also be used to set alerts for leaks and other water usage anomalies.

The implementation of a water green credit program would require the cooperation of government agencies, water utilities, and private businesses. However, the potential benefits of such a program are significant. Water green credits could help to reduce water use, improve water quality, and save money.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when implementing a water green credit program:

· Setting benchmarks for water consumption: The benchmarks should be based on the water consumption of similar entities in the same region.

· Rewarding water conservation: The rewards should be meaningful enough to encourage water conservation.

· Monitoring water usage: Smart water meters are essential for accurately monitoring water usage.

· Enforcing compliance: There should be a mechanism for enforcing compliance with the water green credit program.

I believe that a water green credit program is a promising way to promote water conservation and sustainable water management. With careful planning and implementation, such a program could have a significant positive impact on water resources.

Here are some additional thoughts on your blog post:

· I agree that there is a need for a similar body to BEE for water usage efficiency. The BEWUC could set benchmarks for water consumption and promote the use of water-efficient technologies and practices.

· I think the idea of a smart water meter that can monitor water flow and compare it to benchmarks is very promising. This could help to ensure that water is used efficiently and that leaks are detected quickly.

· I also agree that public awareness campaigns are essential for the success of a water green credit program. People need to understand the importance of water conservation and the benefits of participating in such a program.

Overall, I think you have raised some very important points about the potential of water green credits to promote water conservation.

I hope that your blog post will help to raise awareness of this issue and encourage the development of water green credit programs around the world.

ChatGPT :

Your extrapolation of the concept of "Water Green Credits" is an interesting idea that has the potential to address India's water conservation and management challenges.

Just as carbon credits have incentivized efforts to reduce carbon emissions, water green credits could motivate responsible water consumption and restoration.

Here are some comments and considerations on your proposal:

1. Bureau of Efficient Water Usage and Conservation (BEWUC):

Establishing a dedicated body like BEWUC to set efficiency benchmarks for water usage and promote water conservation is a crucial step.

It would provide the necessary regulatory framework for implementing the Water Green Credits system effectively.

2. Smart Water Meters:

The concept of Smart Water Meters, similar to Smart Electric Meters, is essential for accurately measuring water consumption and comparing it against benchmarks.

These meters would enable real-time monitoring and data transmission, allowing for efficient control and management of water usage.

3. Integration with Smart Electric Meters:

Integrating Smart Water Meters with existing Smart Electric Meters is a practical approach to efficiently manage both electricity and water consumption. It would create a holistic approach to resource conservation.

4. Setting Benchmarks and Quotas:

Establishing clear benchmarks and quotas for different sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use, is vital. These benchmarks should be based on factors such as resource equivalence and water efficiency standards. This approach ensures fairness and encourages efficiency improvements across various sectors.

5. Incentives and Rewards:

The idea of providing Water Green Credits to entities that consume water below benchmarks is an excellent incentive. However, it's crucial to determine how these credits can be effectively traded or redeemed. Clear guidelines on the economic aspects of this system are essential.

6. Public Awareness:

As you mentioned, public awareness campaigns are crucial for the success of such programs. Educating individuals and businesses about the benefits of water conservation and participation in Water Green Credit programs is essential for widespread adoption.

7. Collaboration:

Collaboration among government agencies, private entities, NGOs, and institutions is vital, as you rightly pointed out. The success of Water Green Credits will depend on the cooperation and coordination of various stakeholders.

8. Technological Considerations:

Ensuring the security and accuracy of data transmitted by Smart Water Meters is essential. Robust cybersecurity measures and data privacy protections should be integrated into the system.

9. Policy Framework:

Developing a comprehensive policy framework that outlines qualifying guidelines, criteria, and benefits in terms of Water Green Credit units is necessary. The framework should also consider factors such as terrain classifications and the pollution potential of industries.

10. Regulatory Challenges:

Implementing such a system may face regulatory challenges, and it will be important to work closely with government bodies to address legal and regulatory hurdles.

In summary, your proposal for Water Green Credits appears to be a thoughtful and innovative approach to addressing India's water conservation challenges.

Proper planning, collaboration, and the establishment of a regulatory framework will be critical to its successful implementation. Additionally, the integration of technology, public awareness campaigns, and economic incentives are key elements for driving widespread adoption and achieving the desired conservation outcomes.