UPSC Exam Preparation: Topic of the Day – Water Audit
Water audit gives a detailed profile of the distribution system and water users, thereby facilitating easier and effective management of the resources with improved reliability.
Steps involved in Water Audit:
- Water supply and usage study:
Water audit comprises of preparation of layout of water resources, distribution network, service/ delivery points to water users and return flow of waste or excess water. The layout includes locations and capacities of flow measurement devices installed at key points, dimensions of pipes and fittings in the water supply system. A study of the availability of water sources and past consumption patterns for various sectors is necessary to understand the present water utilization and projecting future requirement. Data on development of sustainable source of water through rainwater harvesting and effluent recycling are also be taken into consideration.
- Process Study:
Flow measurement devices are installed at all strategic points so that water losses from various components such as raw water source, conveyance system from raw water source to treatment plant, from treatment plant to treated water storage system, treated water storage sysem to distribution networks, individual users is assessed at regular intervals. Such studies are useful for future extension, renovation and modernisation of the system.
- Quality of water:
Water quality of the distribution system is also monitored regularly at strategic points to find out the level and nature of contaminants present in the supplied water. Depending on the types of application and degree of purity needed, the treatment system is designed and developed.
- System Audit:
The current water usages and systems for water use under various sectors such as irrigation, industry and commerce, hydropower, domestic water supply, thermal power and others need to be studied to check their operational efficiency and level of maintenance. Bulk metering should be done at the source for zones, districts etc, and revenue metering for consumers. This will help in identifying the reaches of undue waste water generation.
- Discharge analysis:
The domestic waste water, return flows from irrigation, and effluents from the industries need to be studied for conformity to environment standards, possibility of recovery of valuable by-products and the opportunity for recycling of waste water.
- Water Audit Report:
Adequate planning and standard procedures are necessary prior to undertaking the water audit of a system. A water audit can be accomplished on basis of water allotted for a sevice and water actually utilized for that service. After assessing the loss of water and the efficiency of the system, steps needed for utilization of recoverable water loss maybe listed.
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