Smarter Control: Water Management Technology

Natural resources can be categorised in multiple ways. Biotic, minerals, renewable / non-renewable, energy etc. While all resources are important in different ways, there is one that is critical for our very survival. And that is water. Investing in water efficiency is not only a sensible idea but also a necessity. Technology is doing quite a bit of work when it comes to water management. Let's look at how technology can help with smart water management.

How has water management evolved?
It is fascinating to look at the rich history of water management in India. Traditionally, water management was carried out by:

• Rainwater harvesting systems

• Earthen check dams

• Irrigation channels

• Tanks, stepwells, & ponds for storage etc.

It is also relevant to note that the entire community came together in good water management practices. While these traditional water management structures still hold good in quite a few places in our country, we have also embraced various modern technologies to help with water management.

What is technology doing in water management?
Smart is everywhere, isn’t it? And water management technology is no exception. At Taro Pumps, we have always focused on making products that are reliable and use only the optimum amounts of power. Water management; for fields, homes, offices’ buildings, etc.; is easier when you have pumps that are durable, and high performing.

There are quite a few other technologies leading the way for better water management:

• Sensor-based systems

• Remote monitoring

• Intelligent analysis

• Smart automation

• IoT systems and so on

Why get smart about water?
Almost all of us must deal with water management systems. For farmers it may be submersible pumps, & irrigation pipes, for a homeowner it may be plumbing systems & a borewell pump. Regardless of the system, we must contend with maintaining the same. It therefore makes sense to invest in technology that can help with multiple facets:

• Detecting problems well before they happen

• Having the ability to operate a pump even when we are away from it

• Pumping water only when it is needed

• Ensuring that there is adequate water and the pump does not have a malfunction because of dry run

And perhaps most importantly, getting smart about water also means that we are not tied down to water management. Technology should be able to give us ‘away-from-pump' control too.

Getting smart about water also helps with a bigger goal and that is an optimum use of this precious resource. Imagine being able to pump water only when it is absolutely needed and not being forced to adhere to a timetable or even operating the pump with no knowledge of water levels.

Finally, it is pertinent to state that water management technology is seeing wide application in agriculture, industry, and urban infrastructure. It is even helping countries set up smart water grids, flood managements systems, and better wastewater management protocols. This is an interesting space in so many ways! From the farmer and house owner to industrial spaces, smart water management is here to stay.

#InterestingInfo

• Eri system in Tamil Nadu relies on tanks, and dates to more than 1000 years.

• The Zabo system in Nagaland is a run-off system that combines sustainable water management and agriculture.