Kulgaon-Badlapur switched to a continuous water-supply regime on a pilot basis, using a hydraulic modeling process, to successfully provide round-the-clock and reliable potable-water supply. Having successfully carried out leak management, upgradation of distribution network, efficient practices and financial reforms in the pilot zone, the efforts of the water board i.e. Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, are now focused on providing continuous water supply to the entire city.
Badlapur, also known as Kulgaon-Badlapur, is one of the fastest growing cities in Mumbai conurbation, India. Due to the population pressure in the nearby cities like Mumbai and Thane, many people working in Mumbai and other cities have migrated to Badlapur. It is a class B municipal council, with a population of 0.14 million and an area of 36 sq. km. The city is divided into 34 municipal wards. Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has developed an industrial area within the limits of Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. A majority of the population belongs to the working middle-class.
Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), which was responsible for the water-supply system in Badlapur as in many other cities in the state, was supplying water to the city for less than four hours a day, with an average of 156 liters per-capita, per-day (lpcd). The energy charges to pump water to storage and overhead tanks were very high. There was a tendency on the part of consumers to store more water and throw away the stored water on getting fresh supply each day. The revenue recovery per month was 75%. During non-supply hours, there was a high risk of infiltration of contaminated water / sullage through leaks into the water supply system. Intermittent supply also increased the possibility of ‘no supply’ to poor hamlets.
To overcome the problems caused by intermittent supply, a hydraulic model was developed for achieving continuous water-supply. Various activities were initiated to support this model. The existing water infrastructure was reviewed and, its operation mapping was recorded. Geographical Information System (GIS) tools were used to assess the distribution network. Taking the development plan of the town into consideration, a population forecast was made using the Density Method. Operational zones were re-organised, to assess various possibilities. Studies on Unaccounted-For Water (UFW) were conducted, and various leak reduction techniques were adopted to plug leakages. The existing distribution network was upgraded to ensure proper management of pressure. With these reforms, 30% of the entire city moved from intermittent to continuous water-supply regime.
Satellite images of Badlapur were procured from National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad. A digitised map of the entire city was prepared. A map showing the road network, house properties (with house ID numbers) etc., was prepared in Autocad, which was subsequently used as a backdrop of the hydraulic model. The water distribution network of Badlapur town was also prepared in Autocad, and then superimposed on the digitised map.

The water distribution pipe network of city was reorganised into 10 operational zones (OZs). Each OZ was further divided into three or four District Metered Areas (DMAs) with about 1,000 connections in each DMA. A property survey was carried out to determine the total number of people residing, in 28,000 houses. This survey recorded the demand at the nearest node, which was then compared with the population figure computed by the density method.

The distribution network was simulated using the latest WaterGem software, and a hydraulic model was prepared. The data was validated and the pipe network was calibrated. This model served as a basis for taking decisions in the field. According to the model design, OZs and DMAs were hydraulically isolated at the site of work. As per the analysis carried out by the hydraulic model, new pipelines were laid and some old pipes were replaced.

Using DMA methodology, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) for each OZ and DMA was worked out. The OZs and DMAs with high NRW (i.e., where there is high water leakage and/or large quantities of water provided at no charge) were taken up initially for leak detection and repair. Eight out of 34 wards were selected in the first phase for the 24X7 water supply system, and the remaining wards were to be covered in two phases. European Economic Community (EEC) mark meters were installed.
A hydraulic model for transforming intermittent water supply to 24X7 continuous water supply was prepared for the first time in India. The model described simulated behaviour of the system, and helped MJP engineers to hydraulically isolate the operation zones (OZs) as well as the district meter areas (DMA). By hydraulically isolating OZs and DMAs and repairing visible leaks, the MJP was able to transform the water supply of eight wards into a continuous water supply system.

The model proved to be a very useful tool in working out the metering strategy. Instead of using two or three bulk meters costing 4 to 5 lakhs each, this model permitted the use of a single meter, thus optimising the usage of expensive bulk meters to an extent. The model helped MJP to save nearly Rs. 60 lakhs. Finally, the transition to a continuous water-supply system helped MJP increase revenue and improve service delivery.
The shift from intermittent to continuous water supply reduced water contamination and led to better health conditions. This, in turn, increased consumer satisfaction and enhanced consumers’ willingness to pay water bills, even in slum pockets. Consumers, especially housewives, are able to manage their time more effectively and allot more time to other activities and, most importantly, the living standard of families has improved.

The 24X7 water supply also increased the accessibility of water to poor consumers. With the implementation of this initiative, the overall health of people (especially in slums, which constitute 5% of the population) has improved dramatically.

This initiative has increased the cost recovery of water supply in Badlapur from 75% to 90%. Prior to this initiative, cost recovery amounted to Rs. 4.50 lakh per month. With continuous water supply, MJP has earned additional revenue of Rs. 4 lakh per month, which enabled it to recover the expenditure of Rs. 26 lakh incurred on 24X7 activities.

The steady pressure in the pipelines is expected to increase the life of the distribution network. The pipe network also requires less chlorine, and valves suffer less wear and tear. The elaborate metering and effective leakage control has resulted in better management of demand. Reservoir capacities were fully utilised. Adoption of DMA methodology requires no zoning and less manpower. This unique model optimised the number of expensive bulk meters to be procured for determining net night flow in DMAs.

Out of the 127 bulk meters estimated initially, MJP required only 50 meters, resulting in a saving of Rs. 60 lakh. The shift to the 24X7 water supply system benefited MJP engineers, as their capacities were enhanced especially in reducing NRW significantly. They are now well trained in the computation of water balance.

Finally, the availability of good quality of water is expected to improve the city’s economy and attract more industries and businesses.
The success and achievements in eight wards in Badlapur area has increased the demand for extending the 24X7 water supply system to other wards as well. This model helps distribute water equitably to all parts of the city.

The 24X7 water supply experiment at Badlapur could be replicated, provided the hydraulic modeling work for the other cities is carried out with GIS mapping and digitised maps. The MJP is now all set to extend the 24/7 water supply regime city wide.

For further details, contact:

Mr. S. V. Dahasahashra
Member Secretary
Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran
4th Floor, Express Towers
Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021