An Approach for Sustainable Industrial Water Management: A Case Study

Abstract

This study is to evaluate the present water management practices followed at an industry by conducting facility survey and preliminary water audit. Based on the observation and audit, opportunities for water conservation, by adopting an integrated water management strategy was suggested. Also water Acts related to industrial water management was studies to understand its role in pressurizing industries for water stewardship. The work demonstrated that many opportunities existed to improve water conservation through technical, cultural and behavioural adaptations. These included the use of alternate water sources such as rainwater runoff, reuse of water within process units, and need for an overarching water policy to minimise water use and effluent discharge. A conceptual model for water metering and accounting was developed. To involve all the stakeholders for sustainable water management, an awareness program for the employees, interview with the water managers were conducted and their view and opinion on water management were given importance.