Revolutionizing Water Management: Boson Whitewater's Vision for Sustainable Cities

In an age of increasing water scarcity, finding innovative solutions to manage waste water has become more crucial than ever. One such groundbreaking company leading the charge is Boson Whitewater, a startup dedicated to turning waste water into usable water, providing a sustainable solution for both cities and industries. We had the privilege of speaking with Vikas Brahmavar, the founder of Boson Whitewater, who shared insights into their unique model and its potential to reshape water management in India.

A Journey That Started in 2008

Vikas’s journey in the water space began in 2008, but the focus on waste water recovery didn’t start until 2019. The idea was born from a simple yet powerful observation during his time in the UK, where he noticed the absence of unpleasant odors near the Tower Bridge despite the river’s proximity. This inspired him to think about why rivers in Indian cities were polluted, mainly due to waste water being dumped into lakes and streets.

According to Vikas, India’s water management model is flawed, as it primarily focuses on freshwater distribution rather than waste water recovery. This makes cities vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall patterns. In contrast, waste water, if managed properly, can provide a more stable and sustainable source of water.

The Concept: Waste water to Usable Water

Boson Whitewater’s core model is to recover and treat waste water from sources like sewage treatment plants (STPs) in apartments, turning it into high-quality, reusable water. This approach solves two major problems faced by cities: water scarcity in summer and excess water during the rainy season.

By focusing on waste water recovery, the company can help industries and large-scale users like construction sites, laundries, and even municipal corporations reduce their reliance on freshwater sources. The company’s innovative treatment process involves 11 stages of filtration, ensuring that the water meets the required standards for industrial applications like IS 10500, which is the standard for drinking water.

How Does It Work?

The process begins by processing treated waste water from STPs in apartments, which is then filtered through 11 stages to remove contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic matter. The end result is water that meets IS 10500 standards, suitable for industrial use, construction, and even irrigation.

What sets Boson’s technology apart is that industries can directly purchase and use this treated water without the need for additional treatment. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to using fresh water or tanker water, which often requires expensive and inefficient processes like reverse osmosis (RO) treatment.

Meeting the Needs of Industries

Boson Whitewater focuses on meeting the specific needs of industries that require high-quality water for their operations. For example, construction sites require water that meets IS 456 standards. The water supplied by Boson Whitewater meets the varied needs of industries and offers the added benefit of sustainability.

The company’s system eliminates the need for additional water treatment, reducing wastage and making the supply chain much more efficient. For industries like laundry services, this solution also helps reduce the load on effluent treatment plants, leading to lower operational costs.

A Win-Win for Apartments and Industry

For apartment complexes, Boson Whitewater offers a zero-investment solution. Apart from minor plumbing work to connect the water supply, apartment owners don't need to invest in expensive infrastructure. In return, they can earn revenue by selling the excess waste water that would otherwise be wasted.

For industries, the treated water is not only cost-effective but also consistent in quality. With waste water being a constant, the risk of water shortages is minimized, making it a reliable resource.

Scaling Up and Future Plans

Boson Whitewater has already made significant strides in cities like Bangalore, where it sells around 10 lakh liters of water daily. With projects now underway in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Poland, the company is set to scale rapidly.

Vikas envisions a future where their systems are installed across 500 cities by 2026, with a goal of processing above 500 crore liters of water per year. The company is also actively working with government authorities to streamline policies that encourage waste water reuse, such as the National Draft Water Use Policy that is expected to give more importance to waste water management.

Collaboration with Municipalities

Currently, Boson Whitewater is collaborating with municipal corporation in Bangalore, where a policy allows apartments to sell excess waste water. This initiative could be expanded to other cities if similar policies are implemented.

The team is also working on solutions to make waste water reuse viable in large-scale municipal STPs by advocating for dedicated pipelines to transport treated waste water to industrial users.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Water Management

With water crises becoming more frequent in urban areas, Boson Whitewater offers a sustainable solution that not only recycles waste water but also helps conserve valuable freshwater resources. Its innovative approach could be the key to solving the water shortage problem that cities face, one drop at a time.

As it continue to scale its operations and work with governments and industries, the hope is that more cities will adopt this model to ensure a more sustainable and water-secure future.