Cities in Karnataka face significant challenges in urban water management due to fragmented IT solutions. Current processes for managing consumer databases, connections, billing, and grievances are manual and inefficient. The lack of integration prevents the use of geospatial data, making it difficult to monitor connections, track illegal activities, and assess consumption patterns. Without real-time data updates or automated billing systems, cities struggle to manage critical aspects of water services, such as water quality monitoring and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) accounting.
THE CHALLENGE
The absence of a unified data system leads to inefficient decision-making, revenue losses, and limited operational transparency, eroding citizen trust. Skill gaps among municipal staff hinder the adoption of new technologies, while outdated platforms restrict citizen engagement and delay grievance resolution. Manual meter reading processes are error-prone, and delayed leakage detection results in water loss and increased costs.
THE SOLUTION
The aquaCITY platform addresses these challenges through a comprehensive digital solution that integrates various advanced technologies. Connection management is streamlined through an online platform accessible via web and mobile apps, allowing consumers to upload documents for verification, receive real-time updates, and get SMS/email alerts regarding their application status. Water quality monitoring is enhanced by daily, weekly, and monthly assessments at the water treatment plant, ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing real-time alerts for potential issues.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) accounting is incorporated to monitor water losses and optimise resource allocation, while compliance with KPIs and Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs) ensures continuous improvement. GIS-based asset management enables real-time monitoring and lifecycle management of water infrastructure, facilitating accurate tracking of asset performance and maintenance requirements. Additionally, SCADA integration provides real-time data on water distribution systems, improving operational control and enabling quick responses to system anomalies.
RESULTS
aquaCITY has transformed urban water management by improving efficiency, transparency, and service reliability. Key outcomes include enhanced operational efficiency and transparency through integrated solutions that streamline billing, increase revenue collection, and reduce inquiries. Proactive water quality monitoring ensures a safe water supply with real-time data collection and alerts. Optimised resource management through NRW accounting and SCADA integration enables effective asset management and sustainable practices. Overall, aquaCITY has significantly improved citizen engagement, reduced water loss, and optimised resource utilisation, creating a scalable infrastructure for urban water governance.
– Deputy General Manager, KUIDFC, IndiaWe have implemented the platform developed by Vassar Labs under our IT initiative, with the help of which we ensure 24/7 water supply to households across 8 municipalities. Billing and grievance management are now automated, improving efficiency. The system has also reduced Non-Revenue Water by 20% since implementation.
