On Let’s Talk Water, Raghunandan SP shared a case where a smart meter revealed unnoticed leaks in a resident’s apartment, preventing significant water loss by identifying a slow toilet flush and dripping faucet.
Published Mar 02, 2025 | 5:04 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 02, 2025 | 5:04 PM
Smart meters expose hidden water waste, sparking conservation debate
Synopsis: A recent incident highlights the impact of smart water meters in promoting responsible water usage. When a resident received an unexpected bill, a smart meter revealed unnoticed leaks, preventing significant water wastage. On Let’s Talk Water, Raghunandan SP, MD of Konarak Meters, emphasises the value of real-time data from smart meters, allowing residents to monitor consumption and detect leaks, fostering water conservation efforts
While water remains an essential yet often undervalued resource, a recent incident involving a smart water meter user has thrown light on how technology will show us the true cost of wastage.
On Let’s Talk Water, Raghunandan SP, MD of Konarak Meters gave an example to Nolan Pinto, of a resident who complained that he was still getting a bill after fitting a smart meter in his apartment in his absence. Upon investigation, facilitated by the apartment association, it was revealed that a slow, unnoticed leak in the toilet flush and a dripping faucet were responsible for the excessive consumption. This discovery, made possible by the granular data provided by the smart meter, prevented significant water loss.
“A lot of water would have otherwise gone undetected if not for the smart meter,” says Raghunandan.
This incident underscores the potential of smart water meters in promoting responsible water usage. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters provide real-time data, allowing residents to monitor their consumption patterns and identify leaks promptly. This level of transparency empowers individuals to take control of their water usage and contribute to conservation efforts.
The incident has also fuelled a broader discussion about the perceived value of water. Residents are increasingly aware of the disparity between the cost of water and other resources, such as petrol.
“We all say that water is the elixir of life and that it is so valuable. But we are so hypocritical about it. We value another precious resource like petrol more than water and why, because it is ₹100 plus and this is 10 paise, if from water tankers and from the water board, it is just 1 paise per litre. When it is made expensive, then things change,” Raghunandan added.
To explain it further, he says that very often cabbies shut off their car engine and also air conditioning to save fuel at the signals. “Why can’t we treat water like that? We don’t because it is not expensive enough for them to pinch their pockets. But it is more valuable. Without water, you cannot exist.”
The focus on water conservation should resonate with the public’s growing awareness of sustainable practices. Just as consumers carefully consider the energy efficiency of appliances like air conditioners, they also need to scrutinise their water consumption.
“Even people with money, when they buy any electrical appliance will look at the star ratings… You are very conscious about the electricity used,” he says.
“It is not about whether you have money, it is the way you have to look at water. Driving the price up will help it. It should come into the way how electricity is. Electricity is at that sweet spot where it is not too expensive, neither it is too cheap to disrespect it,” he added.
Watch the entire conversation on the Podcast.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
