Agriculture accounts (on average) for 70 percent of all freshwater withdrawals globally. As per the Central Water Commission, more than 80% of the total water consumed in India is for agriculture. Industrial and domestic sectors consume about 12 and 4 %of total available water, respectively.
India does not spend any money in conserving water consumed in agriculture. There are regulations for efficient water management including rainwater harvesting and wastewater management in industrial and urban households. However, the percent of water usage in these sectors is very low compared to agricultural water usage. If we have more efficient delivery, management and reuse & Recyling of water used for agriculture, this will impact the water crisis in India positively.
A smart water management system that includes smart meter, drones, smart temperature and humidity sensors, automated water level monitors, automated drip irrigation, water quality monitor and so on can effectively utilize the available water, which is a need for the hour as we are going towards a water scarce society while the population is exploding, thereby increasing the food requirements.
Components of a smart water management system
Drones
Drones equipped with sensors and cameras are used for imaging, mapping and surveying the farms. From the drone data, insights can be drawn regarding crop health, irrigation, spraying, planting, soil and field etc.
[Source:Wikipedia]
Sensors
- Humidity sensors can determine the frequency of watering according to seasons
- Temperature sensors - Determines watering timing and interval
- Soil quality/pH sensors - Wireless sensors can send data to enable remedial measures
- Smart Water meters - Smart water meters that measures the flow and the related software that controls the irrigation instead of flood irrigation helps preserve water.
- Water quality monitors - In farming, water can be reused for multiple uses, like crop integration with fish or poultry. It is imperative that the water is monitored, when reused for correct pH and nutrients.
[Source:Wikipedia]