PC Quest

Air-to-Water Tech: A Sustainable Solution to Global Water Scarcity

Water scarcity affects billions globally, demanding innovative solutions like Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology. AWG extracts moisture from the air to produce clean water, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional water sources.

How It Works

AWG uses condensation to capture moisture, with integrated filtration ensuring safe drinking water. Advanced features like IoT and GSM enable real-time monitoring, while modular designs allow scalability for residential, industrial, and commercial needs. Systems can produce between 50 liters to over 100,000 liters per day, even in low-humidity, high-temperature conditions.

Key Applications

  1. Hospitality: Hotels and resorts use AWG to reduce bottled water and groundwater reliance.
  2. Disaster Relief: Provides safe drinking water in disaster-hit areas lacking traditional supply.
  3. Corporate Use: Companies meet ESG goals while cutting water costs.
  4. Communities: Schools and centers supply drinking water while promoting conservation.

Addressing Challenges

Energy efficiency and low awareness remain hurdles. Integrating renewable energy and demonstration projects can boost adoption. Collaborative models ensure community involvement and localized solutions.

Conclusion

AWG technology offers a sustainable path to clean water, reducing reliance on traditional sources while addressing global water scarcity. It’s not just a solution for today but a vision for a sustainable future.


*This article is based on insights shared by Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of Akvo. Read the full article on the original publication here.

India Today

Sustainable Water Management Strategies by Akvo

India faces a growing water crisis, with 70% of its water polluted (NITI Aayog). At Akvo, we believe clean water is essential for public health, environmental restoration and economic growth. It is key to building a sustainable, pollution-free India.

Our Founder & CEO, Navkaran Singh Bagga, outlines strategies for sustainable water management:

Harnessing Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) Technology

Akvo’s Water Block extracts clean drinking water directly from the air, providing a decentralized, eco-friendly solution. Modular and IoT-enabled, it can be deployed in urban rooftops, rural schools, and remote areas, reducing dependence on groundwater.

Circular Water Management

Promoting water reuse through treatment and recycling ensures minimal waste and sustainable water use across agriculture, industries and households.

Community-Centric Solutions

Empowering communities through:

  • Water User Associations
  • Micro-Irrigation
  • Rainwater Harvesting

These grassroots initiatives ensure efficient water management and long-term impact.

Policy and Public-Private Collaboration

Strong policies like Jal Shakti Abhiyan must integrate technologies like AWGs. Public-private partnerships can accelerate infrastructure development and sustainable water solutions.

Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about water conservation helps change behaviors – reducing waste, encouraging rainwater harvesting and promoting sustainable practices.

Conclusion

At Akvo, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions like the Water Block to secure clean water for all and build a pollution-free future.

Read the full article here

Abu Dabhi – Sustainable agriculture with atmospheric water generation

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Usage: Unfiltered water generation for agricultural use
Setup Type: AWG (Atmospheric Water Generator)

Background

In the arid environment of Abu Dhabi, where water scarcity is a constant challenge, the Ministry of Presidential Aairs sought a sustainable solution for agricultural water needs. Traditional methods were either too expensive or environmentally unsustainable. A forward thinking approach was required to support local agriculture without straining limited water resources.

Solution

Akvo introduced a specially designed single-phase AWG system that could generate 300 liters of water per day. This innovative solution harnessed ambient humidity to produce water, bypassing the need for energy-intensive desalination or expensive water imports. The unfiltered water was ideal for agricultural applications, providing a fresh source of hydration for plants and landscapes around government facilities.

Impact

– Resource Optimisation: Enabled the Ministry to utilise a renewable source of water, significantly reducing the ecological footprint associated with traditional water sourcing methods.
– Operational Eiciency: The single-phase system was easy to install and required minimal maintenance, making it a practical solution for sustained agricultural support.
– Strategic Resilience: By adopting atmospheric water generation, the Ministry enhanced its water security strategy, ensuring a reliable supply even under adverse climatic condition.

Philippines – Emergency water supply: A lifeline for the ports authority

Location: Philippines
Usage: Emergency water supply for the Philippines Port Authority
Setup Type: Standalone, Trailerized Solutions

Background

The Philippines, frequently battered by typhoons and natural disasters, needed a robust water supply system for its ports to ensure continuity of operations and safeguard public health during emergencies. The Philippines Port Authority sought a solution that was both mobile and capable of providing immediate relief in times of crisis.

Solution

Akvo developed and deployed 25 trailerized AWG solutions, each equipped with a 300 LPD system and backup generators. These mobile units were designed for rapid deployment and could be positioned across various ports as needed. The self-contained systems ensured that clean water was available even in the most challenging conditions, with minimal setup time.

Impact

– Emergency Preparedness: The Port Authority gained the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, providing essential water supplies during disasters.
– Operational Continuity: Ensured the availability of potable water at key strategic points, maintaining port operations and public safety during critical times.
– Versatility and Mobility: The trailerized systems could be moved to any location, offering flexibility in response to varying emergency scenarios.

Chennai – Empowering a corporate giant with on-site water generation

Location: Chennai
Usage: Drinking water supply for a large corporate headquarters
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A major corporate headquartered in Chennai, employing over 5,000 people, required a reliable, high volume water solution that could keep pace with its growing needs. The traditional reliance on municipal water supplies posed a risk of shortages and disruptions, making it imperative to find a self-sufficient alternative.

Solution

Akvo installed 60 Water Blocks on the rooftop, each generating 500 litres of water per day. This modular setup, producing a total of 30,000 litres daily, was connected to multiple distribution points across the headquarters, ensuring a steady low of fresh water for all employees, visitors, and operational needs.

Impact

– Self-Suficiency: The company gained complete control over its water supply, eliminating dependence on external sources and mitigating the risk of water scarcity.
– Enhanced Sustainability: By generating water on-site, the corporate reduced its environmental footprint, supporting its broader sustainability goals.
– Team Well-Being: A consistent supply of high-quality drinking water & enhancing workplace health.

Gujarat – Redefining industrial water solutions for employee welfare

Location: Gujarat
Usage: Drinking water for factory employees
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

The largest glass bottle manufacturer in Gujarat, employing thousands, faced a persistent challenge: ensuring the availability of safe drinking water in a region where groundwater resources were both scarce and compromised. A reliable, decentralised solution was essential to safeguard employee health and productivity.

Solution

Akvo deployed multiple 500 LPD AWGs across the factory premises, strategically installing them on rooftops and connecting them to various distribution points throughout the facility. This setup ensured that every employee had easy access to fresh drinking water, regardless of their location within the factory.

Impact

– Employee Health and Safety: The provision of clean drinking water reduced health risks and absenteeism, contributing to a more productive workforce.
– Operational Eficiency: The decentralised system eliminated the logistical complexities of transporting water, ensuring consistent availability at a lower operational cost.
– Sustainability Leadership: By adopting a renewable water generation model, the company positioned itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Bengaluru – Revolutionising corporate water supply with WOW (Water on Want)

Location: Bengaluru
Usage: Corporate water supply through a pay per-litre model
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A leading corporate in Bengaluru, catering to thousands of employees, faced the dual challenge of ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water while managing costs and environmental impact. The conventional approach of procuring bottled water was not only expensive but also contributed to significant plastic waste, contradicting the company’s sustainability goals.

Solution

Akvo implemented its WoW (Water on Want) model, installing rooftop AWGs capable of producing 3000 liters per day. This innovative pay-per-litre BOOT (Build Own Operate-Transfer) setup allowed the corporate to access fresh water on demand, eliminating the need for bottled water. Multiple dispensers were strategically placed across the campus to ensure easy access for all employees.

Impact

– Sustainable Transformation: Reduced the use of single-use plastics by over 80%, aligning the company with its environmental commitments.
– Cost Efficiency: Achieved significant cost savings on water procurement and logistics, reinvesting the savings into employee welfare programs.
– Enhanced Employee Experience: Improved access to fresh, chilled water, contributing to employee satisfaction and productivity.

BW Sustainability World

Rapid urbanization and the emergence of smart cities demand innovative solutions to address critical water challenges like scarcity, quality, and sustainability. Smart water systems, powered by technologies such as IoT, machine learning, and big data, offer a transformative approach to water management by ensuring efficient usage, preventing wastage, and maintaining quality.

Why Smart Water Systems Matter

Urban growth is straining traditional water infrastructure. Key drivers for adopting smart water solutions include:

  1. Water Scarcity: Overexploitation and climate change exacerbate shortages.
  2. Aging Infrastructure: Leaks in legacy systems lead to significant wastage.
  3. Rising Demand: Urbanization and industrialization increase water needs.
  4. Sustainability Goals: ESG initiatives drive the push for sustainable water systems.

Key Smart Water Technologies

  1. IoT Sensors: Monitor water flow, quality, and detect leaks in real time.
  2. Big Data Analytics: Predictive maintenance and demand forecasting optimize resource use.
  3. Smart Meters: Enable real-time consumption tracking and promote conservation.
  4. Decentralized Systems: Solutions like Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) provide localized water sources, reducing pressure on centralized systems.
  5. AI Decision-Making: Optimizes distribution, detects inefficiencies, and aids urban planning.

The Role of AWGs

Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) harness condensation to provide drinking water, aligning with the smart city vision. They:

  • Offer localized water sources, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint.
  • Enhance reliability during emergencies.
  • Support sustainable water access for schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing smart water systems requires addressing hurdles like high initial investments, data security, interoperability, and public acceptance. Partnerships between public and private sectors and flexible, scalable solutions are key to overcoming these barriers.

A Vision for Water-Smart Cities

Smart water systems revolutionize urban water management by integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices. Goals include universal access, zero water waste, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

By investing in these innovations and fostering collaboration, we can build water-smart cities that meet the needs of growing populations while safeguarding the environment.

For the full article, click here.

APAC NEWS Network

At Akvo, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. In a recent interview with APAC News Network, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, shared insights into his groundbreaking work transforming air into water, addressing global water scarcity with cutting-edge technology. Continue reading “APAC NEWS Network”

Josh Talks

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Akvo and its visionary CEO, Navkaran Bagga. Discover how Akvo pioneered early Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology, continuously innovated its products, and overcame challenges—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which deeply impacted their sales.

Learn about how Akvo revolutionised its product to make it accessible fir Enterprises and building with their innovative rooftop AWGs which had to follow certain dimensions to make it potable to the terrace using elevators.

Explore Navkaran’s entrepreneurial path, his game-changing approach to sustainability, and the strategies driving AKVO’s success in revolutionizing water access for communities and industries alike.

Publication Josh TalksWatch it here