In a significant move towards achieving a water-positive India, the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE), under the National Water Mission (NWM) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA).
The MoU aims to raise awareness and promote various water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting structures, low-flow fixtures and sanitary ware, grey and black water treatment, as well as water audits of built environments.
The signing ceremony took place today, with Archana Varma, Additional Secretary & Mission Director of the National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Gurmit Singh Arora, National President of the Indian Plumbing Association, representing their respective organizations. This collaboration is a significant milestone for the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency, as it aligns with the IPA's ongoing efforts to advocate for water-sensitive fixtures that consume less water. The MoU will further advance the objective of increasing water use efficiency in the country.
Speaking at the event, Archana Varma emphasized the historical importance of the partnership. She expressed her confidence that the IPA's expertise in promoting water-sensitive fixtures would contribute significantly to the goal of enhancing water use efficiency.
Gurmeet Arora, the National President of the Indian Plumbing Association, reaffirmed his organization's commitment to increasing water use efficiency in the domestic sector. He highlighted the goal of reducing water consumption from 135 liters per capita per day (lpcd) to 60 lpcd, representing a 50-60% reduction. Additionally, he stressed the need for water audits in built environments, such as residential buildings and hotels, to achieve the ambitious target of Net Zero Water Buildings.
The MoU signing aligns with Goal-4 of the National Water Mission, which aims to enhance water use efficiency by 20%. It signifies a crucial step towards accomplishing this goal and underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The provisions outlined in the MoU focus on implementing and promoting the objectives of the National Water Mission through the IPA's extensive network of over 6,500 members spread across the country.
Under the MoU, the NWM and IPA will collaborate to educate and raise awareness among the public through outreach programs and water stewardship initiatives. The partnership will prioritize the circular economy of water, including the effective utilization of grey water through the 5Rs approach: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Replenish, and Respect. Rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge will also be key areas of focus. Additionally, the partnership aims to promote the reclamation of used water primarily in urban landscapes.
