India consumes over 600 billion cubic metres of water annually, making it one of the highest users of freshwater globally. By comparison, nearby Bangladesh uses only about 190 billion cubic metres of water annually. With urban centres consuming an estimated 135 liters of water per capita each day, the demand continues to grow rapidly.

However, a significant portion of this water— about 40-50%—is lost due to leaks, theft, and outdated infrastructure, what some experts call Non-Revenue Water. In a country where renewable water resources have dramatically declined—from 5,177 cubic meters per year in 1951 to just 1,486 cubic meters in 2021—efficient water management is more critical than ever.

“India’s water resources are depleting at an alarming rate. With a population set to reach 1.5 billion by 2030, we simply cannot afford to waste water. Our focus must be on optimising usage, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable water practices,” says Kailas Patil, Director, Palladium India.

Faced with growing water challenges, Thane—a rapidly urbanising city in Maharashtra—decided to tackle its water crisis head-on. With its population and industrial needs expanding rapidly, the city experienced water shortages, inefficiencies in distribution, and pollution.

Thane Municipal Corporation and Thane Smart City Limited partnered with Palladium to launch a transformative initiative: the installation of over 105,000 smart water meters across the city, marking a leap towards modern, efficient, and sustainable urban water management.

A Shift in Thane’s Water Management

The Smart Water Meter project was conceived in response to Thane’s outdated water infrastructure, which distributed approximately 585 million liters of water daily. The city’s reliance on flat-rate billing led to indiscriminate water use and financial inefficiencies, creating a cycle of waste and rising costs. By introducing smart water meters equipped with Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology, the city was able to replace the flawed manual billing system with an accurate, consumption-based model.

The AMR system not only ensures volumetric billing—charging residents based on actual water usage—but also enables the city to conduct real-time water audits and detect leaks swiftly. This shift has allowed the city to set a target of reducing water wastage by up to 15%, a significant improvement over previous inefficiency.

Empowering Consumers: A Key to Water Conservation

Central to the success of the Smart Water Meter project has been its focus on consumer awareness and engagement. Through a city-wide campaign, residents were educated on the importance of conserving water and the benefits of the new smart billing system. The project also introduced a web-based platform, allowing citizens to monitor their water usage and track their consumption patterns, encouraging more responsible behaviour.

Integrating this technology with Geographic Information Systems is helping to further streamline the meter-reading process, reducing errors and inefficiencies while enhancing transparency.

“Outdated systems can no longer meet the complex demands of a growing city like Thane,” explains Vikas Dhole, Deputy City Engineer, Thane Municipal Corporation. “This project represents a transformative step toward securing our water resources for the future. With accurate data and a focus on conservation, we are ensuring that every drop is accounted for, and every citizen benefits.”

A Model for the Future: Replicating Success

Thane’s innovative approach to water management is already setting a precedent for cities facing similar challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the project not only addresses immediate water shortages but also builds a sustainable foundation for the future.

“The success of Thane’s Smart Water Meter project sets a new standard for urban water management globally,” says Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India. “Thane is demonstrating how cities can use technology to drive efficient resource management, improve service delivery, and foster long-term sustainability.”

Thane’s initiative underscores the importance of rethinking water management in India’s rapidly growing cities. While challenges persist, particularly in securing water for all, this project serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when technology, infrastructure improvement, and consumer engagement come together in pursuit of a common goal: safeguarding one of our most precious resources for future generations.