How Proteus can be a powerful tool for helping secure water security in rural India

The Proteus Multiparameter Sonde is an advanced water quality monitoring instrument designed to measure parameters previously requiring time consuming and resource intensive laboratory testing. This innovative instrument plays a crucial role in monitoring and maintaining the water quality of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and other water sources.  

Dr. Sam Cottingham visited Mumbai & Hyderabad representing Proteus Instruments as part of the UK Water Delegation at IFAT.

Department for Business and Trade, India was delighted to bring a delegation of UK water companies to IFAT India and Hyderabad in October 2023. Proteus Instruments joined the UK-India Digital Water Delegation to understand how the technology potentially supports ambitious national initiatives to improve sanitation. The Jal Jeevan Mission is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing safe and potable drinking water to all rural households. It is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) and focuses on improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure in rural areas.

What is the Jal Jeevan Mission

Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.

How the Proteus Multiparameter Sonde can support such a mission:

  1. Water Quality Assessment: These sondes are equipped with multiple sensors that measure various water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, and importantly BOD, COD and Coliforms. Monitoring these parameters is essential to ensure that the water supplied to rural households meets the required quality standards.
  2. Low Operational Costs: In areas with limited laboratory testing facilities and trained analysts a robust, low maintenance and simple to operate instrument reduces barriers to comprehensive water quality testing. Especially where transportation of temperature and time-sensitive samples and maintaining stocks of costly reagents is challenging.
  3. Real-time Monitoring: Proteus provides real-time data, allowing authorities to quickly identify any deviations from water quality standards. This timely information leads to faster responses and corrective actions.
  4. Early Detection of Contaminants: The sonde can detect the presence of contaminants, pollutants, and harmful microorganisms. Early detection is vital for preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring the safety of drinking water.
  5. Remote Monitoring: Proteus can be readily integrated with data logging and transmission systems, enabling low-power remote monitoring of water quality. This is particularly useful in rural areas with limited access to infrastructure.
  6. Trend Analysis: Over time, the data collected by the sonde can be used to identify trends and patterns in water quality. This information is invaluable for long-term planning and resource allocation.
  7. Compliance and Reporting: The data collected can be used to demonstrate compliance with water quality standards and regulations. Regular reporting to authorities and stakeholders ensures accountability and transparency in water quality management.
  8. Maintenance and Optimisation: By monitoring water quality parameters, the sonde helps in optimising the operation of water treatment plants and distribution systems, reducing operational costs, and minimising water wastage.

The Proteus Multiparameter Sonde plays a significant role in supporting the Jal Jeevan Mission by ensuring the delivery of safe and potable drinking water to rural households. By continuously monitoring and assessing water quality, authorities can make informed decisions, improve the efficiency of water supply systems, and enhance the overall health and well-being of the rural population.