Role for National Bureau of Water Efficiency (BWE) in Water Sector

D S ChaskarDirector

National Water Academy

Need for BWEFocus on Demand Side ManagementTarget of Increasing water use efficiency by

20%Norms for water conservation & standards

for water useRegulations for Water AuditingCapacity building & mass awareness in WUEWater efficiency financing platformA dedicated agency working for WUE in all

sectors

National Water Policy-20126.1 A system to evolve benchmarks for water uses

for different purposes, i.e., water footprints, and water auditing should be developed to promote and incentivize efficient use of water.

The “project” and the “basin” water use efficiencies need to be improved through continuous water balance and water accounting studies.

An institutional arrangement for promotion, regulation and evolving mechanisms for efficient use of water at basin/sub-basin level will be established for this purpose at the national level.

Legal StatusObjective is to replicate the success of Bureau of

Energy Efficiency (BEE) in the energy sectorBEE as Body corporate, established by Energy

Conservation Act -2001BWE is proposed under EPA-1986

Regulatory Functions- Constraints due to “Water” being State subject

Part of Proposed National Water Framework law ?

BWE as a separate wing or unit in MoWR ?

BWE as a Society?BWE as Body Corporate ?

Mandate for BWERegulatoryStandardization, Rating & LabelingAdvisorFacilitatorPromoterFinancerCoordinatorCapacity BuilderSingle window information databaseSector Specific concerns

Bureau of Water Efficiency

Role of BWE in Industrial SectorIndustry specific Water auditing regulationsPromotion of R&D efforts in water efficient processesCapacity Building for industry personnelNorms & guidelines for Recycle & Reuse of water by

industries.Technical & financial support for implementation of water

efficiency measures-Venture Capital FundPreparation of investment grade DPR for establishment of

industry specific water treatment plants.Encouraging industry to take up water conservation

projects as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

National awards & “Blue” star ratings for water efficient industries

Database of certified and accredited Water Auditors

Role of BWE in Domestic SectorLabeling system for

Plumbing products e.g. taps, showers, flow controllers, etc.

Sanitary ware e.g. lavatory equipment etc.White-goods e.g. washing machines,

dishwashers, soaps, detergents etc. Development of testing and certification

procedures.Special awareness program with focus on

Teachers, women and children. Builders; NGOs; Office bearers of the

housing societies, Panchayat Raj functionaries etc.

A dedicated website on water conservation techniques

Role of BWE in Municipal CorporationsNorms for supply of water to consumers in terms of LPCDNorms for quantity of water to be treated & recycled Annual water audit & “Blue” Star rating of CorporationTechnical support & Funding for

Installation, modernization of STPProjects for the conveyance & distribution networks

Guidelines to promote implementation of RWH in townships; housing societies, public buildings etc.

Role of BWE in Energy SectorConsumptive norms for various types of

power plants Regulatory norms for PSUs for water auditPromotion & funding of R&D efforts“Blue” ratings for Power plants

Role of BWE in Irrigation SectorLabeling of irrigation equipment like sprinklers, drip etc.Norms for irrigation projects for conveyance efficiency,

field application efficiency; and overall project efficiency.Linking of AIBP, CADWM funding with norms devised by

BWE.Capacity building efforts for the project authorities.Sensitization of policy makers and high level officersFunding of R&D in irrigation sector.Ratings & Awards for efficient projects, WUAs etc.Promoting & financing lined canals and close conduitsCoordinating with WALMIs/IMTIs, Agricultural

Universities etc. for extension, R&D programs and auditing of the projects.

Finances for BWEFinances for

Capacity building & mass awarenessHand holding of industryR&D initiativesFunding of water efficient

Techniques/ProcessesFull Government supportNational Water Conservation FundCertain % of Total Plan outlay for promoting

water conservation measures

Organizational Structure

A lean organization with the strength of 25-30

Operational SupportAccredited agencies & InstitutionsLaboratoriesConsultantsCertified Water auditors

Linkages with WALMIs/IMTIs, NWA, RGNGWTRI, NIH etc.

ConclusionThere is a large scope for improvement in WUENational level agency entrusted with the specific

task of promoting water use efficiency is a mustAdoption from the success of BEE and also from

the international experiences Appropriate legal and policy framework for BWE BWE can play a role of catalyst in promoting water

use efficiency (WUE) throughInnovative strategiesPromoting water auditsRating & labeling systemCreating incentive and disincentive mechanismsCapacity Building, Mass awareness & Outreach