Water Management System

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham actively monitors the total water consumption across its campus through a robust digital platform. Sensors and IoT devices are deployed for real-time monitoring and rapid problem rectification, ensuring efficient management of water resources. In 2023, the total water consumption on campus reached 814,311 cubic meters, out of which 576,892 cubic meters were treated for reuse, demonstrating the university’s strong focus on water sustainability. The university’s water usage includes drinking water, utility water, and treated water, all managed to ensure sustainable levels. With a significant portion of its water being treated (up to 85% in certain months), Amrita University emphasizes reusability and efficient water management practices. The campus leverages rainwater harvesting, borewells, municipal supply, and stormwater to meet its requirements while promoting eco-friendly solutions such as rainwater harvesting and treating and reusing water to minimize wastage. The per-person water consumption on campus is well below the government-mandated limit of 135 liters per person, reflecting the university’s commitment to sustainable practices. This aligns with its vision of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Example Case:

In July 2023, the university demonstrated exceptional water management practices by utilizing a total of 51,304 m³ of water. Of this, an impressive 44,549 m³ (87%) was treated and reused, showcasing the university’s response to heightened water stress during this month. Rainwater Harvesting, a sustainable source, played a crucial role in supplementing treated water for reuse, significantly reducing dependence on other water sources such as Borewells (1,080.8 m³), Wells (810.6 m³), Storm Water (540.4 m³), Municipal Supply (2,702 m³), and Rivers (1,621.2 m³).

This strategic integration of rainwater harvesting into the treatment process not only enhanced water availability but also indirectly supported energy conservation by minimizing the need for water extraction and transportation from external sources. This approach highlights the university’s commitment to innovative and sustainable water management practices.

Dependency on Water Extraction (%):The university’s water requirements are fulfilled through various sources, distributed as follows:

1. Rainwater Harvesting: 25%
2. Borewell: 20%
3. Well: 15%
4. Storm Water: 10%
5. Municipal Supply: 25%
6. Rivers: 30%
7. Treated Water: 20%

Categorization and Derivation:

• Potable Water: Derived from Borewell, Well, and Municipal Supply sources, accounting for the combined dependency on these resources.
• Storm and Rainwater: Combined contribution from Rainwater Harvesting and Storm Water, demonstrating the university’s utilization of natural rainfall and runoff for sustainability.
• Recycled Water: Water that is treated and reused on campus, represented as a separate category to highlight the focus on reusability.
• Extracted River Water: Direct extraction from Rivers, showcasing dependency on natural flowing water sources.

This detailed breakdown underscores Amrita University’s proactive efforts to track, manage, and utilize water from various sources in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Summarized water consumption based on the grouped sources:

• Potable (Borewell, Well, Municipal Supply): 322,888 m³
• Storm and Rainwater (Rainwater Harvesting, Storm Water): 132,954 m³
• Recycled (Treated Water): 1,153,785 m³
• Extracted River (Rivers): 113,961 m³

The Ecosphere Water Sustainability Dashboard at Amrita University is a comprehensive platform designed to monitor, analyze, and promote sustainable water management. It integrates key data on water quality, availability, usage, and sustainability initiatives, providing actionable insights for effective water resource planning.

The dashboard tracks drinking water parameters such as pH, dissolved solids, and microbial contamination, ensuring water quality meets safety standards. It also highlights water usage trends, with agriculture accounting for 92% of consumption, and provides data on water infrastructure, including borewells, ponds, and purification units. Seasonal water scarcity insights and rainfall distribution trends further enable targeted strategies to address shortages. Additionally, the platform monitors sustainability initiatives, quantifying efforts in awareness, adoption, and water savings.

This tool empowers Amrita University by fostering data-driven decision-making in water conservation and resource management. It helps identify areas of water stress, implement efficient irrigation techniques, and optimize infrastructure such as groundwater recharge systems. The dashboard also supports research and community engagement, raising awareness of water sustainability challenges and solutions.

In terms of annual consumption, freshwater usage was recorded at 92760 cubic meters in 2022, which decreased significantly to 81431 cubic meters in 2023. Similarly, recycled water usage, primarily for irrigation and toilet flushing, reduced from 84110 cubic meters in 2022 to 83912 cubic meters in 2023.

The university has developed robust infrastructure to manage its water resources effectively. Multiple tanks provide storage for raw and treated water, while strategically placed rainwater harvesting tanks maximize the collection and storage of rainwater. For irrigation, the campus employs drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, which minimize water wastage and ensure efficient water distribution.

To minimize wastage, over 250 aerated taps have been installed in mess halls and canteens. Plans are underway to introduce sensor-based taps by 2025–26 to further enhance water efficiency. Maintenance practices have also been streamlined, with regular inspections of pipelines, tanks, and coolers initiated in April 2023. A log card system has been implemented to ensure timely documentation and resolution of maintenance tasks.

The university has introduced plate-washing machines to reduce water consumption in dining facilities. Additionally, power-washing techniques are now used for cleaning large building surfaces, further optimizing water use.

The construction of 16 check dams has significantly enhanced rainwater capture and facilitated groundwater recharge. This initiative has been complemented by an extensive plantation drive, resulting in the addition of 1.8 lakh trees, including medicinal and herbal species. This effort has not only contributed to raising the water table but has also created a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity.