Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and Rainmatter Foundation, addressed the pressing issue of the water crisis in Bengaluru, warning of potential future exacerbations due to extreme weather events. Kamath proposed wastewater treatment as a viable solution to alleviate the city’s water shortage.
Promotion of Boson White Water
Kamath endorsed Boson White Water, a Bengaluru-based firm specializing in converting wastewater into potable water, emphasizing its potential contribution to resolving the water scarcity crisis. However, Kamath’s endorsement sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the safety and quality of treated wastewater for consumption.
Response and Impact
Following Kamath’s endorsement, Boson White Water received an overwhelming response, with over 300 inquiries in a single day. However, many inquiries expressed skepticism about the idea of drinking treated wastewater due to lingering perceptions of its uncleanliness.
Challenges and Psychological Barriers
Despite advancements in wastewater treatment technology, convincing the public to embrace treated wastewater remains a significant challenge. Vikas Brahmavar, a founder of Boson White Water, acknowledged the need to overcome psychological barriers and educate the public about the safety and benefits of treated wastewater.
Indian Institute of Science’s Perspective
The Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at the Indian Institute of Science proposed a comprehensive solution to Bengaluru’s water crisis. According to CES’s technical report, treating sewage water could fulfill approximately 80% of the city’s domestic water needs, supplemented by rainwater harvesting. This approach could potentially make Bengaluru water surplus and resilient to future water scarcity challenges.
