The concept of centralised reverse osmosis plants in large projects is catching up in the city owing to the advantages of cost-effectiveness and less wastage of raw water during treatment.
Another emerging technology is the sewage treatment facilities with membrane bioreactors as it is compact in size. H.Subramaniam, Chief Operating Officer Everything About Water Private Limited, one of the marketing solution providers on water and wastewater management, said that Chennai is growing to be a hub for water and waste water industry.
He was addressing presspersons here on Wednesday regarding the three-day India Water Expo to be held at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, from Thursday.
On centralised RO plants, he said residents of apartment complexes can reduce water wastage by opting for the facility of a larger capacity. It would save 90 per cent of the water wasted during treatment compared to the domestic water purifiers of less capacity. The cost would also work out much cheaper. However, planning in the initial stages and co-operation of the occupants are important for the implementation.
He pointed out nearly 30- 40 per cent of drinking water is lost during transmission through pipeline in the city according to findings of Asian Development Bank a few years ago. The expo would showcase leakage prevention and control technologies wherein an ultrasonic transmitter and sensor would help in detection of disruptions in the piped supply.
Desalination and waste water recycling are the two other major technologies to be showcased in the expo. Though waste water recycling is an economically viable option, desalination is sought for drinking water purpose owing to psychological barrier, Mr.Subramanian said. Desalination plants of smaller capacity to treat 500 litres per hour are being installed in some rural areas. Some of the technologies to be showcased at the expo include air to water converter and for textile effluent treatment. Conferences and workshops would also be held on topics such as water supply and transportation and water treatment and purification.
About 200 exhibitors from various countries, including Taiwan, the U.S., Canada and Spain are expected to participate in the expo.
