[sirius87]

Interesting. I like the idea of smart metering devices. A lot of people, especially in Mumbai, don't track consumption at all. Do you see changing the mindset of people w.r.t. conservation of water particularly challenging? Some areas in Mumbai receive stable, 24x7 water supply while others barely receive a couple of buckets twice a day.

Quite a few areas and apartment complexes utilize a wide range of hacks to ensure their area receives adequate water supply. Distribution of water from the authorities is anything but uniform because of devices such powerful water pumps and larger than sanctioned storage tanks. Much of this, although illegal, is with the blessings of local political leaders.

Any insights on how these issues could be addressed? Much appreciated.

[anusridharan]

Yes- we actually started out going down the road of conservation via smart metering devices. We quickly realized that we would be facing an uphill battle if we kept trying to start there.

Also, as a point of clarification, no city in India receives 24x7 water (except Jamshedpur), although many cities have pilot projects (Nagpur is the closest to Mumbai). The Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is probably the furthest ahead as far as public water utilities go, and many people think they have 24x7 water, but they just have a very reliable, but intermittent, source of water. The BMC has done a very good job of trying to reduce inconvenience to residents.

We actually think that, ironically, as water gets more expensive for the higher income groups, they will then start turning to water conservation mechanisms. That's the pull we are seeing in Bangalore, and what we think will be the pull in the future. Lower income communities already do a pretty good job of conserving water since they tend to pay a higher price. It's amazing what market forces do for water conservation.

We are also encouraging communities to introduce slab billing and try to do individual apartment metering. By raising water prices for the highest users, people are becoming more price sensitive and trying to use less.

[sirius87]

> many people think they have 24x7 water, but they just have a very reliable, but intermittent, source of water

This is true. A lot of complexes have larger than reasonable storage tanks. If a new complex pops up next to your apartment building, you immediately see an effect in your water supply levels. It'll be interesting get a heatmap of the disproportionate distribution, but unless some authority gets involved, this may not happen.

> encouraging communities to introduce slab billing and try to do individual apartment metering

Agreed. Price affects behavior.

Thanks and good luck!