Ahmedabad is located in the arid region. Average rainfall is about 740mm per year. Main source of water was sabarmati and ground water.

Continuous drawing of water by tubewell pumping has resulted in rapid depletion of ground water table and increase concentration of total solids, chlorides and fluorides.

The main objectives of the initiative are to:

• Provide wholesome, adequate, regular daily water supply to all citizens
• Stop the use of ground water source by 2009-2010
• Supply of safe drinking water (as per Drinking Water Standards)
• Test the water at each stage upto the consumer's end by having well-equipped labs and publish the same on websites and in newspapers to make the citizens aware
• Implementation of e-governance for grievances and complaints related to water supply for each ward in the year 2001-2001
• Public awareness by means of various media.

Due to the shortfall in water from Sabarmati river and ground water sources, new sources were commissioned.

• To meet the demand for water, it was planned to procure water from Mahi canal through the Raska Weir Water project.
• The Narmada Canal alignment was planned by GoG.
• 3 treatment plants were installed.

• The scenario of the water source changed.
• The ground water scenario has also changed.
  
  

  	Ground water in mld	Surface water in mld
  Before 1986	350	50
  1986-2000	290	185
  2000-06	120	450
  Present	30	720

  
  
• There is an improvement in the water supply and infrastructure.
• The storage capacity has also increased from 401.6 to 834.4.
• Water production data communication via SMS facility.
• Lab facility and frequent sampling and water quality monitoring.
• Reduction in use of ground water and hence improvement in health.
• Saving in energy cost of Rs. 6 crores per year.

The initiative can be replicated in areas of similar nature, and due to public participation and awareness, the project is sustainable.