Water Audit
Water audit is a systematic process of objectively obtaining a water balance by measuring flow
of water from the site of water withdrawal or treatment, through the distribution system, and into
areas where it is used and finally discharged. Conducting a water audit involves calculating
water balance, water use and identifying ways for saving water.
Water audit involves preliminary water survey and detailed water audit. Preliminary water
survey is conducted to collect background information regarding plant activities, water
consumption and water discharge pattern and water billing, rates and water cess. After the
analysis of the secondary data collected from the industry, detailed water audit is conducted,
which involves the following steps:
On site training and discussion with facility manager and personnel
Water system analysis
Quantification of baseline water map
Monitoring and measurements using pressure and flow meters and various other devices
Quantification of inefficiencies and leaks
Quantification of water quality loads and discharges
Quantification of variability in flows and quality parameters
Strategies for water treatment and reuse or direct use
A detailed water balance is finally developed. Water quality requirement at various user areas is
mapped, which helps in developing „recycle‟ and „reuse‟ opportunities.
The detailed water audit report contains the following:
Water consumption and wastewater generation pattern
Specific water use and conservation
Complete water balance of the facility
Water saving opportunities
Method of implementing the proposals
Full description and figures
Investment required
Industries can undertake following measures for water conservation:
Setting up of norms for water budgeting
Modernization of industrial process to reduce water consumption
Recycling water with a re-circulating cooling system
Ozonation cooling water approach which can result in five fold reduction in blow down
when compared to traditional chemical treatment
Reduction in reuse of de-ionized water by eliminating some plenum flushes, converting
from a continuous flow to an intermittent flow system and improving control on the use
Use of wastewater for use of gardening
Proper processing of effluents to adhere to the norms of disposal.
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