Why Did This Bengaluru Startup Receive 300 Calls After Kamath's Tweet?

Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, is grappling with a looming water crisis, living under the fear of running dry. Once renowned for its pleasant climate and verdant landscapes, the city now stands as a cautionary tale, emblematic of the water woes plaguing many high-profile areas across the city.

The Bengaluru Conundrum

Bengaluru, once celebrated as the "Garden City of India," finds itself at the forefront of India's water crisis saga. According to data from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the annual per capita availability of water in India has plummeted by a staggering 75% since Independence, plummeting from 6,042 cubic meters in 1947 to a mere 1,486 cubic meters in 2021. This drastic decline underscores the severity of the situation, with any region boasting less than 1,700 cubic meters per capita being deemed 'water-stressed'.

According to a 2019 study by the Central Water Commission, the average annual per capita water availability in India in 2021 was 1,486 cubic meters and 1,367 cubic meters in 2031. The per capita water availability in India is decreasing due to population growth. Annual per capita water availability below 1,700 cubic meters is considered water stressed, and below 1,000 cubic meters is considered water scarcity. 

Boson White Water: An Oasis in a Desert

Amidst all this water woes, Bengaluru based startup Boson White Water championing sustainable water solutions came to the forefront. Founded by Vikas Brahmavar in 2011, the journey of Boson White Water began with a noble mission: to combat water scarcity by harnessing the power of innovation. Brahmavar's return to India from the UK in 2008 was fueled by a desire to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity head-on. Witnessing the squandering of vast volumes of water into drains daily, he was driven to find a solution. Thus, Boson White Water was born, with a vision to revolutionize water usage through recycling and reuse.

Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha, took to social media platform X to write about how this startup is solving Bengaluru's water crisis problem.

"It just took one bad rainy season for Bengaluru to face a massive water shortage crisis. Given that extreme weather conditions will only become more common, this probably won't be the last time we face this crisis. I learned recently that wastewater could be part of the solution. Bengaluru's total freshwater demand is ~2632 (million litres a day) MLD, and it generates ~2000 MLD of wastewater.

Of this, centralized sewage treatment plants treat ~1,300 MLD, and this water is used for agricultural purposes. About 3,500 apartments and commercial establishments have decentralized sewage treatment plants (STPs) and waste ~80% of their excess STP water. This STP water is low quality and mostly unusable beyond flushing and gardening. If this excess STP water can be converted to high-quality water, about 450–500 MLD of water demand could be met by decentralized treatment plans. 

@BosonWhitewater is one startup we met that is trying to solve the problem of converting STP water to potable water," Kamath wrote.

His tweet resonated deeply, garnering significant attention and sparking a crucial conversation about potential solutions. Kamath's endorsement of Boson White Water, a startup dedicated to converting sewage water into potable quality water, attracted widespread attention, amassing over 300,000 views.

It just took one bad rainy season for Bengaluru to face a massive water shortage crisis. Given that extreme weather conditions will only become more common, this probably won't be the last time we face this crisis.

I learned recently that wastewater could be part of the… pic.twitter.com/dinatQITVk

— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) April 9, 2024

The Boson Effect: A Surge in Interest

Following Kamath's endorsement, Boson White Water experienced an unprecedented surge in interest, receiving over 300 calls in a single day, according to a media report. This surge, dwarfing their usual daily call volume, underscores the immense impact of Kamath's tweet and the growing recognition of Boson White Water's innovative contributions.

Boson White Water: Redefining Water Management

At the core of Boson White Water's mission lies a commitment to revolutionize water management practices. The startup's ingenious approach involves harnessing recycled water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and transforming it into potable quality water suitable for various household applications. By offering this sustainable alternative to tanker water, Boson White Water not only addresses the pressing issue of water scarcity but also champions environmental conservation.

While Boson White Water's efforts have garnered widespread acclaim, they have also sparked debate and raised pertinent questions. Some express reservations about the idea of drinking water sourced from sewage, highlighting concerns about potential contaminants. Others advocate for decentralized solutions, emphasizing the importance of upgrading residential STPs to mitigate the crisis effectively.

 As India grapples with the ominous specter of a water crisis, startups like Boson White Water offer hope. By leveraging innovation and technology, these pioneers are reshaping the landscape of water management, paving the way for a more sustainable future. As the nation navigates these turbulent waters, it is imperative to embrace innovative solutions and foster a collective commitment to preserving this precious resource for generations to come.

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