Allocation of water charges for multi-housing communities in India: Sub-metering and ratio utility billing system (RUBS)

 One of the most serious issues of water management is the question how to allocate the water resources to guarantee sufficient amount of water for all demands. That is why, it can be expected that allocation management will gain further importance in the future. It is not exaggerated to declare that “the issue of allocation overshadows all other aspects of water management”. 

This article tries to create an awareness as to various possible methods that the water can be conserved, where there is a single master water meter from the utility supplier ( Ex : BWSSB, in Bangalore) , or the water is purchased through tankers or extracted from bore-wells within the site.

Why do we need to start thinking on Conservation, Allocation, Sub-metering, there are many reason, here is some of them (from BWSSB) for the residents of Bangalore

1. Primary source for water for BWSSB is Cauvery
2. Cauvery can support BWSSB’s expansion plans till 2012 only, beyond which there simply is no water available
3. Currently BWSSB caters to around 60% of the city’s demand of 1500 MLD, the rest being groundwater (via bore-well, tanker)
4. Groundwater levels of Bangalore are fast depleting

These reasons are good enough to start thinking about conservation.

Conservation

1. Rain Water Harvesting
2. Recycling of waste water
3. Controlled usage of water through paying as much as use (sub-metering or Bill division)

Rain Water Harvesting

Recycling of waste water

Controlled Usage

1. That the residents who pay for their water use less
2. Billing type is a more important influence on consumption patterns than either the cost of water/sewer or the age of the building.
3. There are two main methods of allocating the charges to the residents
   1. Sub –Metering
   2. RUBS

Sub-Metering

Through Sub-metering:

• Residents Pay for Actual Usage
• Reduce utility usage 20% - 40%
• Less legal complication
• Enhances property value

RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System)

• Number of occupants
• Square footage
• Number of bathrooms
• Number of water fixtures

Through RUBS

• Allocation is Consistency
• Cost – Little or no upfront investment
• 15% to 20% reduction in usage
• May be implemented where Sub-metering is difficult
• Excellent means of starting program

RUBS  Vs Sub-metered

Advances in metering technology have made it possible to economically convert multi-unit properties to individual metered service using sub-meters. However, the plumbing configuration in many properties makes it too costly, and in some cases, impossible to install individual sub-meters.

RUBS is a way to help residents understand the true cost of utility service in properties where meters cannot be feasibly installed. By allocating a portion of the property utility costs, residents can see the connection between usage and cost. By separating utility costs from rent, water conservation is encouraged. This helps keep resident total housing cost as low as possible and also promotes environmental conservation.

AnCenergy Technologies Services Pvt Ltd

In India , starting with Bangalore, AnCenergy wants to create awareness and also help in  providing solution for Sub-metering , RUBS and also provide consultancy for Rain water Harvesting and  Waste water recycling. 

AnCenergy also provides solutions for managing the billing of Common Area Expenses ( both utility and non-utility) for apartments, condominiums, offices, shopping centers and other multi-housing communities.

For more details please feel free to contact  admin@ancenergytech.com

Vinod Damodaran
AnCenergy Technology Service
Bangalore
Mob : 89040 68003
Land : 080 41642282

Website : www.ancenergytech.com

Regards
ATS Sub-metering and Billing Team