IPA-GC to set up a plumbing laboratory at Government Polytechnic

HERALD: What measures are you taking to inform and educate Goa on conservation of water?

IPA-GC: As part of its effort to create awareness about the importance of saving water, IPA-Goa has recently started a Student Chapter at Government Polytechnic, Panjim and will be starting more chapters in other colleges. IPA will be setting up a Plumbing Laboratory at Government Polytechnic for the benefit of all the students of Goa and all the professionals linked to the building Industry. We want to educate the general public on the use of aerators which will save wastage of water to the tune of almost 40 per cent.

HERALD: What is it and how does it work? How will you market it in Goa?

IPA-GC:  Aerators are small attachments that are fixed inside the water faucet.  This can be installed into faucets of washbasin and kitchen sinks. Use of aerators will offer the same user experience of washing but with far less discharge of water leading to saving large amounts of water from being wasted. IPA has tested the efficiency of the use of aerators in IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) lab at Bengaluru. We will make these aerators available to the public at cost price which will be made available at strategic locations across the State so that the public can procure them and install them in their residences. We will also be targeting hospitals, hotels, institutions and schools for aerators to be installed. What is also important is to address solid waste management effectively. Poor management of the collection and disposal of solid waste could lead to pollution of surface and ground water.

HERALD: Have you been able to test and display it for the common people?

IPA-GC: IPA has installed unique Plumbing Laboratories at Pune and another Plumbing Lab with technical assistance from IPA has been installed at Sri Ramakrishna Advanced Training Institute (SRATI), Coimbatore. IPA will be setting up a Plumbing Laboratory at Government Polytechnic Panjim for the benefit of all the students of Goa and all the professionals linked to the building Industry. 

HERALD: Apart from aerators what other initiatives are you taking about to save water?

IPA-GC: We have conducted seminars and technical conclaves to promote the usage of sewerage treatment plants and the effective usage of treated water for flushing and gardening. Out of 135 litres per capita per day almost 45 litres ie 35 per cent water is used for flushing. After usage of treated water for flushing, remaining part if used for irrigating the ground, cleaning the roads and pavement areas, there will be further savings of municipal or potable water. Secondly, treated water contains more minerals and indirect vitamins for the growth of greenery.  Alternatively the water can be sold to agricultural property owners. This will avoid usage of ground water by the agriculturists.

HERALD: Are you going alone or will you be taking along people and organizations which can help you in the endeavour?

IPA-GC: IPA will be associating with several other associations including Fire and security Association of India (FSAI), Indian society of Heating and Air conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers to promote their ‘I save water Campaign’. 

IPA has been involved in saving water since 2013 by launching a water efficient products-India (WEP-I). WEP-I is a recommendation to the industry and government on the water volumes required for different products- taps, showers, cisterns, urinals, washing machines etc. at par with international standards of other countries which practices water sustainability. IPA is bridging the gap to create water efficient rating for fixtures in the lines of Bureau of Energy Efficiency star rating which is a measure of energy efficiency of an appliance.  Water savings can be achieved throughout industry by a combination of behavioral change, modifying and/or replacing equipment with tested and certified water saving equipment and reducing overall water consumption.