10 Points to observe water quality in a Packaged Drinking Water Plant

Water Quality in a Packaged Drinking Water Plant

There are 2 prominent reasons why Packaged Drinking Water is consumed :

1. Convenience while in transit
2. Uniform quality irrespective of the place you go to.

However, point no2 is discussed below. There is a Govt Body, the B.I.S. which has made it mandatory to every Packaged Drinking Producer to get the ISI license under standard IS - 14543. And there are also set norms through detailed documentation on how every production unit needs to maintain uniform quality standards.

Point No1 : Follow the Hygienic Standards as per the IS : 14543

In a Packaged Drinking Water Plant, usually, the raw water source is the Borewell Water. The Water Treatment section, with the help of the R.O. Unit, removes nearly all the Minerals from the raw water & adds back the required ones in necessary dosage. These added minerals should be within the prescribed limits defined by the B.I.S. as per the Standard allotted IS-14543. Following & respecting the process is the 1st most important point.

(Video Stamp :- 00:12)

Point No.2 :- Understand "Why" there is a need for consistent monitoring

The Raw water , which comes from ground water is sourced from the aquifers. This quality might change from time to time. This might affect the treatment required for the raw water. Hence it needs a consistent monitoring at various stages on a regular basis, as specified by the B.I.S.

( Video Stamp :- 00:41)

Point No.3 :-  Follow the B.I.S. Testing schedule

The B.I.S. has cheated a schedule for testing water. Some tests are 4 hourly, some of them are daily, weekly, monthly etc. Following the schedules as a ritual is the key to quality. 

(Video Stamp :- 01:17)

Point No.4 :- Have it all within the Plant itself

B.I.S. has laid down the complete document on its website about the hygienic standards to be followed. It has to be maintained WITHIN the plant itself.

(Video Stamp :- 02:11)

Point No.5 :- Have in house Quality Personnel to maintain it 

The B.I.S. has specified 2 separate laboratories : One for Chemical Parameters & One for Microbiological Parameters. These departments are looked after by 2 quality Chemists.

(Video Stamp :- 02:41)

Point No.6 :- Maintain the Labs Properly 

The labs should be exactly as per the specified document by IS 14543. Outside labs for daily testing is not allowed. However, certain reports on annual basis & monthly basis are still required from an outside BIS approved lab; but the regular ones from the In-House lab itself. In the hygienic Requiremement, there is a full list of Glassware & Chemicals given.

(Video Stamp :- 03:08)

Point No.7 :- Maintain the Parameters

As the raw water quality changes from time & season, thus the quantum of added minerals if any. However, as mentioned earlier, play within the limits & maintain the records.

( Video Stamp :- 03:32)

Point No.8 :- Be prepared for surprise visits

If you maintain all books & records as per the B.I.S. specifications, you will hardly need to worry about surprise visits. However, you will need to keep a close look at all the departments through diplomatic HR policies etc.

(Video Stamp :- 04:03)

Point No.9 :- Observe your Distribution as well

If BIS finds you faulty samples from any of your Point of Sale (POS) places, without delay they will place a "STOP" mark , meaning you can't start production until it's cleared off. Hence it's not just important to maintain quality at your factory, but also at the POS.

(Video Stamp :- 04:23)

Point No.10 :- Follow fssai rules strictly

Besides the ISI license, the producers also need to maintain the fssai license. Please see to it, observe their rules, schedule & renewals properly. This is also a key quality hack.

(Video Stamp :- 05:22)

These 10 points will cover most of the quality hacks for a Hygienic Packaged Drinking Water Plant.

If you have some question/ something valuable to share, please reply in the comment section. Thanks

10 Low Investment Water Business Ideas

Water Business in Low Investment

Water business is an evergreen business opportunity. However, everyone does not have that huge capital with him or may wish to start small. Through this specially written blogpost, we are presenting 10 useful low investment water business ideas for you.

You can watch this video or can refer to the Ideas from the text form given below. If you read the tips below, you can pick up the one which suits your purpose & follow the Timeline on the Video which corresponds to that.

Here are 10 Useful Ideas to do Water Business in Low Investment :-

Idea No.1 :- Start a Jar Plant , then go for Bottles

If someone is starting a Bottle + Jar Plant, the investment is more, as it involves the Bottle Blowing & Filling Machinery. However, if someone is starting with a 20 Ltr Jar Plant, it doesn't need that much investment.

(Video Timestamp :- 00: 50)

Idea No.2 :- Get Bottles from Outside

If you want to start a Bottle + Jar Plant, you can reduce the investment if you get Bottles from an outside source. This is possible if you are located inside an industrial area where there are a couple of Bottle Making (PET Blowing) Machinery Manufacturers.

(Video Timestamp :- 01: 20)

Idea No.3 :- Buy/ Lease an existing plant

This can also bring your investment to a considerable limit as the machinery might be old. Leasing out cuts down the investment just towards rent.

(Video Timestamp :- 01: 40)

Idea No.4 :- Partnering with an existing unit

You can also invest a little amount in an existing unit. This will again be a low investment option. However, again the ROI needs to be worked out properly.

(Video Timestamp :- 01: 57)

Idea No.5 :- Become Distributor for Existing Brand

This is not only a Low investment option, but also offers you great learning opportunity before you finally setup your plant

(Video Timestamp :- 02: 08)

Idea No.6 :- Establish Your Brand, Get it done from Others

This is official.You can cut down your investment considerably as you are not investing in a Plant. You may just establish your brand & contract with an existing ISI holding unit. This needs just the fssai.

(Video Timestamp :- 02: 24)

Idea No.7 :- Glass Bottling, Premium Market

You target an upmarket, and start with Glass Bottles. Here, the quantities reduce; and the machinery is low cost. You tie up with an existing ISI unit & re-brand your water.

(Video Timestamp :- 02: 41)

Idea No.8 :- Water ATM Business

Water ATM is the Water Vending Machine Business. You can establish a standalone Water ATM Machine and replicate the Idea at several points or can establish a Chain of such ATMs & offer franchise opportunities.

(Video Timestamp :- 03: 00)

Idea No.9 :- Start a CSD Business & Upsell Water

CSD means Carbonated Soft Drinks Business. This again needs just fssai license. You can start this plant at a much lower cost, establish your brand, and later can upsell Bottled water to the same market while getting it done like Idea No.6

(Video Timestamp :- 03: 10)

Idea No.10 :- Create a Water Delivery App

This will be quite in Demand after the Covid-19. You can create app, have a subscription for the same & enlist all the market players. You can also take ads from Google.

(Video Timestamp :- 03: 34)

Raise Capital :-

Once you develop an Idea, get it validated (We do help in this) from experts & raise capital from bank to start your business immediately.

Good Luck !

How to Use Rain Water for a Bottled Water Plant

Usages of Rain Water for Bottled Water Plants

I am looking for answers here for this question, and shall keep on updating the same with the latest information I get from time to time. 

Just watch this video for additional inputs

Before usage :-

Rainwater should be collected & stored in a proper way before using. It should be stored in huge water tanks. Filtered. 

Usages :-

Icreasing the Quantity of Raw Water 

If it's mixed with raw water, prior to the treatment, will substantially increase the quantity.

Improving the quality

When mixed with the Raw water, prior to the treatment, will dilute the same & produce a lesser TDS raw water. Thus will generate lesser waste water & reduce the burden on the Membrane too !

When mixed with the Reject Water from RO, again will reduce the TDS, and the waste water can be put to some productive usage like car washing.

(Please post any other usages if you are aware of : write in comments)

Pricing for Bottled Water

The End Price

In India, usually the end price for the "Packaged Drinking Water" is more or less the same (Rs.20) , whereas the "Packaged Natural Mineral Water" prices vary. However, almost 99% water you see in Indian Markets is Packaged Drinking, priced at Rs. 20. And here I wish to talk about that. The thirst quenching market.

Option to control just the distributor pricing 

The producer, just has an option to control what price he sells the water to the distributors and NOT the end pricing [a few exceptions like shweppes]. In this scenario, I have observed 3 types of producers :

• Type "A" :  The National Level brands
• Type "B" :  The Local Brands
• Type "C" : Non-Brands

Type A usually offers 50% margin to the Wholesaler , whereas Type B offers 60 followed by Type C which gives almost 70%.

What Should Your Policy ?

We have observed, that just by reducing prices & matching the lowest you won't survive. Similarly, just by matching the highest, also will effect the same. You can follow a general pricing policy like follows :-

1. Have a 3 -year plan to match the Type "B" Local Brands, followed by Type "A" in 5-7 years
2. Start with price little higher that Type "C"
3. Gradually match to "B" within 3 years
4. Same in 5-7 years with "A"

Is it that simple ?

Yes, simple, but not easy. You will constantly need to create your "why"s. That's the differentiators. 

(For Pricing of Natural Mineral Waters, read the case study )

Water Plant on Your Piece of Land ...

So You have land & wish to setup a water plant

Well, looks like an obvious idea. There are many who have land & Groundwater available and think of putting up a Water Plant. Can they setup ?

To restrict my answer to just THIS question ...

Yes, they can. However, it's not straight away, go & do it. There are certain permissions you will require as it is a commercial activity. Which are those ?

1. Gram Panchayat NOC if you are not in Municipal area
2. Industrial NA or suitable permission in city limits
3. Should not be very near to any Water Source like River, Lake etc. Should be 1 Km away.

For other Land & Building related answers, Please read this post 

You can find correct information at the DIC, districts Industries Centre, or can even approach some NGOs like the De-Asra Foundation, who help in startups.

Regards.

How to get ISI Number for Bottled Water ?

(All your questions pertaining to the ISI Licence for Bottled Water in India or B.I.S. are answered, the content is continuously updated)

Why do we need an ISI Number for Bottled Water ?

ISI is issued by the B.I.S. Once you get a valid ISI Number from them, you can mark your labels with the ISI Number , which enables you to officially sell your water within India. 

Without ISI, can't anybody use water ?

For usage, you don't need ISI, e.g. if you consume the treated water in your own premise for own consumption, it comes into picture when you decide to "Sell" the same.

Where do we apply for getting an ISI number ?

As mentioned above , the ISI Number is given by the B.I.S. They have a setup procedure, which can be followed from the website from this link. 

Is it easy to get an ISI License ?

It's simple, but not easy. You have to observe certain norms to get the ISI Number. Like the Location, Water Source, Neighbourhood, Layout, Quality Assessment etc. It is a step by step procedure to be followed.

Well, How much time it takes to get it ?

As per laws, you should have all the required machinery in place before getting the same. Once this is done, the ISI officials visit your factory & issue license if and until they find everything in order as per the standars (IS 14543 for Packaged Drinking Water and 13428 for Natural Mineral Water). Usually you should be getting it within 2-3 months depending upon the availability of the personnel.

Does this require any fees ?

BIS charges a "Marking" Fee, to mark your bottles with the ISI Number provided. Annually they charge Rs. 1,28,000 ( Check Latest Fees Here), to be renewed every year.

How strict are they ?

It is important to follow all the gudelines properly, ISI officers have authority to pick up any bottle from any sales counter, check it in their labs, and post a "STOP" marking, in case they find it doesn't confirm to the exact standards. This may put a temporary break on your business.

How does a plant observe the procedures ?

Every Plant has to follow a procedure, with in house Labs and supported by Technicians. There are record to be maintained every day, week, month. The BIS officers have authority to visit your factory anytime.

Can I buy water from an ISI approved plant in bulk & sell with repacked in 1 Ltr Bottles ?

Yes. This is possible. However, you can't transport the water to other location. You need to pack at the manufacturer's premise only and re-Label the same. The label will have both the names. Yours as "Marketed by" and ISI holder's as the License holder.

If I don't make Bottles, and just make 20 Ltr Jars, still I need ISI ?

You need ISI License whenever you are selling packaged water in any & every form. Be it Pouch, Bottle or 20 Ltr Jars. And the expense (Fees) is same. Cool Jar doesn't come under ISI.

Can I Pack 5 Ltr Jar, 20 Ltr Jar in the same Plant ?

Not only this, but your same plant can pack all varieties of packing in a single plant. Even all shapes (even if you have different kinds of bottle shapes & designs) of packing can be done from the same plant.

Digital Marketing ... The Only way here onwards !

Are you applying Digital Marketing in your business ?

If yes, accelerate it. If not, immediately start. No time is as good as today !

Recently I was invited to deliver a talk on this subject at the BYST. It will be a 3 Video Series. The first one highlights why it will be a frontline vehicle everywhere. As Water Business onwners, just have a look at it ...

Here is the Video

Here are the 10 Points on How Digital Marketing will become the frontline tool henceforth

1. People will only meet in person when it's required
2. The number of Group Meetings, networking meetings will also reduce.
3. Webinars & Online Meetings will replace physical meetings at a large extent.
4. Digital Information Exchange becomes Vital.
5. Quantity and Quantity of Digitally produced Content will be set to rise.
6. It needs to be created in various formats like Text, Videos,Images, PDF's, Slideshows, Audios.
7. It needs to be distributed smartly across various platforms for cosumption.
8. Online Reputation will be the deciding factor for conversion & ROI.
9. Customer Journey Maps need to be developed for your various products & services.
10. Digital Customer Engagement will decide the ultimate success for an organization

What is BYST ?

BYST is Bharatiya Yuwa Shakti Trust, who is actively involved since 1992 to transform Jobseekers into Jobgivers. I am proud to be associated as a mentor with them since a decade now. You can visit their Website to know further.

Challenges faced by Packaged Drinking Water Producers

The Challenges in major 2 areas :-

Drop in Sales :-

No Institutional sales like sales to commercial establishments

Usually Packaged Drinking Water is sold to domestic & commercial establishments like corporates, institutions, Shopping Malls etc. That being totally closed, the sales are affected. 

Household Sale also down 

This sale is down too, as people , out of insecurity, not keeping a stock of water, consuming less, even if it's summer time.

Distributor Sales Very Low

It also depends upon distributors, who too are facing the same issue as discussed above.

Supplies not Available

Due to the Jar Production units not functioning, the distributors need to maintain the rotation of Jars, making it possible to give just 2 jars maximum per house. 

Challenges towards Manpower

Deliveries 

Due to the timing restrictions, the delivery of Water Jars is greatly affected. Limited amount of deliveries with limited people only can be made during the period. 

Production 

As the timing is restricted from 6 AM to 1 PM, it is challenging to run the unit in these times, as commuting from a distant place might take 30-45 minutes to reach for a workman/woman, and it's equally difficult to find a vehicle during this period. Results : Production affected.

Quality Control 

Every unit has to observe certain guidelines from the B.I.S. It needs to maintain certain daily, weekly reports at the facility & also has to submit certain monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the B.I.S. It's very crucial to maintain this quality. With less people, chances are there to neglect this.

Machinery Maintenance

Mechanics , if not available, will pose an issue to smooth functioning of the unit, if there is a breakdown. It might unethically inspire a unit owner to bypass the Q.C. in order to meet the demand in whichever way.

Solutions & Opportunities 

• Customer Touch Points

It's an opportunity to take your brand to more people , as the number of customers may increase, though not sales. Can build a database for future, when times are alright. This will also increase your profits substantially.

• Ideal Time to develop an App

Through developing a proper Customer Journey Map (CJM) you can visualize the existing process of your sales and develop newer. It needs time, and you have it now. In addition, you also need some phase, like beta to test it on certain number of applications, installations. Once ready, you can implement it in your business, which can be a great additional channel into your business.

• Think of Water ATM as another branding & Delivery Channel

Imagine, if there are your Water ATM's installed at locations. People could come there with their own Jars & get the Jars refilled, and these ATMs can be used with RFID cards & vending Coin Options too. The good news is : They can be maintained through mobile apps. Look at the Water ATM Machine Advantages

Kozikode Sets an example in testing times

Corporation sets up App based 4 hour delivery

Look, when the intentions are clear, ideas are more firm. Kozhikode (don't pronounce it straight) aka Calicut Corporation (Kerala State) teamed up with local youth to develop an app to deliver its own Kudumbashree Theertham Packaged Drinking Water to the residents faster in these testing times.When you are listening to news like Dealers are not able to dispatch (read the trichy news), this becomes more apparent.

What did they do exactly ?

Responding to the situation, they developed an app called "Jala" to supply their own "Kudumbashree" Theertham Packaged Drinking Water with a local youth team. The team delivers water to scarcity hit areas within city & around at Rs.30 (when the private suppliers charge Rs. 60-70), within just 4 hours. They take Rs.120 towards to bottle first & then Rs.30 per 20 Ltr Bottle.

The team behind Jala App

I couldn't find that the app on Google Play Store, however, after finding a little more, this is what I got :-

The App is launched by a company based in Kerala, Kozhikode called Vichitram Pvt Ltd. The Company is a Non-Govt Company, established in 2016. 

The App can be downloaded from here 

Can you too develop such an ethical business ?

Is Corporation Water really that bad ?

Effects of lockdown ..

Cities like Tiruchi in Tamilnadu is facing deep crisis due to the lockdown & containment of areas mainly. Because of which some people say that the Packaged Drinking Water suppliers are not able to deliver the Water Jars to households. If you are aware of Tamilnadu, many cities including Tiruchi aka Trichy aka Trichanapaali aka Tiruchirapally (Official name today). Trichy is a Tier-2 city in India, and has a polulation nearing 10 Lakh (2011 census figure)

The Challenges faced today 

One challenge is because of the lockdown : Dealers not able to supply because of sealing of areas. Water is an essential commodity & the people concerning Water Supply as well. Refer this article.

# Shouldn't the Water distributors be allowed little liberally to deliver water at least in these lockdown times ?

Another challenge is an ongoing kind of challenge : The Tap Water Quality. The citizens are scared to drink the corporation water, some complain that it contains too much bleach (chlorine). The Corporation authorities are definitely to be entrusted by citizens about the water quality. However, when 75% of the citizens are buying Packaged Drinking Water, what can be the real solution ?

#Special awareness drive ?

# Water ATM's ? (Advantages of Water ATM's) 

Comments welcome ! 

Plastic Waste from houses : Can you create a Business from this ?

The Situation ..

People sincerely wish to process whatever plastic they have, in an environment friendly way, however, not finding an easy clue to do it easily. And this is an opportunity if you can see as an entrepreneur.

Plastic Processing method at present

In India, the house hold waste is collected from houses by the municipal employees. We are instructed to separate the DRY vs WET. That's all. After this, the municipality separates the same at centres. Here, the Bio degradable & non bio degradable is sorted out. In the non bio degradable category, comes the plastic. In plastic too, there are several types by which they are separated, just have a look at these :-

From the municipal waste, appx 12% is Plastic waste. Out of this plastic waste , around 64% waste is generated from thin carry bags (thus it's the top priority). 9% from PET bottles & 23% from the remaining types. From the 9% again, they say (like Bisleri) that around 90% is already recycled (See what measures Bisleri takes to recycle the PET) 

How the Waste gets processed ...

The PET Bottles : For creating yarn from it & apparels, clothes ultimately. See this blogpost

All Plastics : Road Construction, Incineration at Cement Kilns, Waste to Fuel, Granules creation can be the other ways. Creative ways like Making Paver Blocks have also emerged. You can see the Plastic Waste Management rules for details on this, setup by the Govt. 

Note : Industries have a different procedure for this. However the procession remains the same.

Let's talk about the opportunity

Sorting & Processing Service : You can establish a local service with a Reverse Vending Machine (On wheels), separate & collect waste from societies, and supply to various places mentioned above & earn good revenue. 

Do you have any other idea ? please post in comments please !

Rail Neer Plants & Distribution

There was a news that Railways is coming up with 9 new plants in addition to its existing 10 plants in the country. This decision was taken mainly to meet the demand across railway stations. At present IRCTC meets just 45-50% demand. By adding these, it plans to meet the additional demand.

These Plants are existing :-

1. Nagloi (Delhi) : North Zone
2. Danapur (Patna, Bihar) : East Zone
3. Palur (Chennai, TN) : South Zone
4. Ambernath (Mumbai, Maharashtra) : West Zone
5. Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) : North Zone
6. Parasalla (Thiruvantanapuram, Kerala) : South Zone
7. Bilaspur (Chhattisgad) : Central Zone
8. Hapur (UP) : North Zone
9. Sanand (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) : West Zone
10. Mandideep (Bhopal, M.P.) : Central Zone

The New Locations Coming Up :-

1. Nagpur (Maharashtra) : Central Zone
2. Sankrail (Horah, W.B.) : East Zone
3. Jagi Road (Guwahati) : North-East Zone
4. Jabalpur ( M.P.) : Central Zone
5. Bhusawal (Maharashtra) : West Zone
6. Una (H.P.) : Extreme North
7. Vijaywada : (A.P.) South Zone
8. Visakhapatnam : (A.P.) South Zone
9. Bhubaneshwar : (Odisha) East Zone

Points of note :-

The Location of the plants must have been selected strategically. Particullarly the area it caters to. For example : 

• Amethi is in North Zone, but it also caters to the eastern part of the country.
• Nagpur is in Maharashtra, West Zone State, but location is in the centre of the country
• North East also they are coming up with plant at Guwahati
• States like Karnatak doesn't have any plant. The reason can be the thickest populated is Bengaluru can be sourced with the Chennai & Thiruvanantapuram plants (?) 
• Hyderabad is such a major junction, misses a plant in Telangana. Are the new locations at Vijaywada & Vizag are going to source it ? Or the Nagpur one ?
• Gujarat, Rajasthan... what about these areas ?
• Even in north east, there should be at least 2 additional locations.

Out of Box ...

• Can the plants be just at locations where there is no challenge of water ? And why not store (the railways can definitely afford it) the over flowing rainwater from regions like Kerala, North-East, Himalayas & the Sahyadris ? As it is, IRCTC enjoys the advantage of free transportation (their trains as it is run across). This will save tremendous amount of Groundwater being extracted
• The IRCTC ATM's will be supplied with this water. This will not only save Groundwater extraction but also save earth from plastic

Comments Welcome !

Is Your Bottled Water Original ?

How to Check the Water Bottle if it's Original ?

Packaged Drinking Water Bottles are bought on the go from shops. However, while paying Rs. 20, how can we know for sure that it's original ? Here are a few ways :-

1. Check if the ISI mark is dominantly mentioned on the Bottle Label First. 

ISI Mark is issued by the BIS, You can also check whether the licence is upto date/Expired/Not renewed etc 

STOP Marking meaning the quality of water has certain issue & the said firm is said to STOP marking the ISI Number on the label.

2) Check the fssai details : Besides the ISI Mark, the producer should also obtain a valid fssai license. It is also mandatory for some agency getting it packed from some other producer

Bottle Showing Both Details : ISI & fssai

You can also check the status of the fssai License as well :-

3) Finally , Check the Batch No & Packing Details on the Neck :-

If you see any discrepancy, please call up the customer care number of the said company & inform them about it. Many a times, the firms might have paid all dues , but the websites do not reflect that. And even if still a problem remains, then you may make suitable complaints.

How to Convert Text Post into an Audio Post ?

1) I Use an App called "Pocket"

There is an app on Android called "Pocket".

2) And use their desktop Site as well called "Getpocket"

Whenever I come across any good, worthwhile article, I copy the URL & add this to pocket. See Image

How to Add URL to "Pocket"

3) How do I listen to ?

Now go to the mobile App & Use the "Headphones" Icon, that's it. And yes, Using Tags can get you to any subject of your choice whenever you seek it!

Audio Conversion & Tagging from Pocket

Excerpts from Mr Shroff's thoughts on the World Water Day

Excerpts from Mr Shroff's thoughts on the World Water Day

1. On Earth, Sweet Water is just 3% , rest is the salt water, locked in Oceans. Out of the 3%, 69% is locked in form of glaciers, 30 % is groundwater. Lakes & Other surface water is the balance. How can it cater to the ever increasing human population ?
2. Rapidly changing climatic conditions & Burst in population prevents the equipment manufacturers like Eureka Forbes (Premium Brand Owner: Aqua Guard) real development of solutions.
3. Fast melting glaciers is countering the Global Warming; however it's a half-truth. Rio Santa, one of the largest Glacial river flowing from the Andes Mountains is already facing a deep glacial melt. Meaning either the snow is reducing or else. Point is : these regions like Peru, are facing a drop in the river's water.( More articles on this subject)
4. On the other hand, due to global warming, the ocean levels are rising, by which the salt water corrupts the already scares surface water like rivers and rice crops get inducted with this salt water. The sea level doesn't just increase by glaciers melting, but also due to thermal expansion of the sea water. So, it's a dual Challenge : Global Warming & Glaciers Melting. 
5. Water Pollution & Water Wastage is making the balance fresh water unmanageable. Making the distribution a real time difficult situation.
6. Groundwater is also depleting very fast. For this, immediate steps need to to be executed to recharge the aquifers. The waste water is contaminated and makes it difficult for people to consume it directly, without treatment.
7. His company has introduced a solution (Green RO Technology) which does prevent the natural minerals in water, at the same time reduces the heavy metals dangerously present.
8. In addition he also recommends Water ATMs as the next level solution.

Advantages of Water ATM Machines

Water ATM offers many advantages in current times 

1. Doesn't need any packaging, hence unaffected by the lack of supply of preforms etc.
2. The most cheapest form of Pure Water as the major cost holding packaging & transportation element is gone
3. Saves the earth from the usage of Plastics
4. Can offer local level entrepreneurial opportunities
5. Can be setup in lesser cost than a Packaged Drinking Water Plant
6. Can source water from nearby ISI Plant
7. Needs just the fssai License as of now, doesn't need ISI

Challenges Faced :-

• The hygienic conditions need to be maintained properly at these booths.
• Govt funded ATM projects are not maintained properly, as a result a lot of defunct Water ATM's.

Solutions :-

• Water Business Entrepreneurs should come up with better Water ATMs. 
• Existing Packaged Drinking Water Plants should also look into building their own, branded Water ATMs like the Money ATMs.
• Pricing the 1 Ltr Water typically between 2-3 Rs. will be most ideal to establish a Franchise chain as one can easily beat the unnecessarily over priced IRCTC water at 5Rs. per ltr.

Bisleri is already in this business....

Extended Producer's Responsibility 

If you're thinking about bottled water business, you're probably getting me wrong. The whole world knows that. I'm talking about something else: The EPR. the extended producers responsibility thing. In very simpler terms it's gonna be the waste producer's responsibility to manage the product till the end of its life, in order to protect the environment from is bad effects, particularly for plastic products if they're used in any of its packaging.

Bisleri is already into this from 4-5 years....

Bisleri, since it's the largest producer in the country has already been doing this. It seems to be conducting awareness campaigns, recycling drives and many things in this space. They have introduced special website called BOTTLES FOR CHANGE; through which is already started collecting plastic waste and effective management of the waste generated by them.

Glass Bottles for Bottling : Is that a viable Idea ?

Existing Method of Bottling

At present, PET Bottles are used for bottling water & other beverages. However, after observing the serious impacts of Plastic, the PET bottle industry & the overall water industry which grew out of the convenience of using plastic has come under threat of existence. Particularly due to P.M.'s declaration of "Phasing the single use plastics upto 2022".

Is glass the option ?

Glass looks like the option. However, it poses many challenges. Mainly the production (Quantities), the tremendous amount of energy needed to produce glass, the transportation, the breakage, handling, crushing, and finally... the cost.

The habits are difficult to be reversed

It is easy to say "Recirculate the old used bottles", however, we are so much used to the "throw" life-style (thanks to the westerners) that using something which is already used, is considered unhygienic for no reason. At one point we say-"Re-cycle" and refuse to rinse & use the already used thing. The glass industry is also (for what) against using seconds bottles. 

Is the Water in the Used Bottles good ?

If the bottles are washed, rinsed properly, then why not ? (counter-question). At homes, we do use these bottles, in the medicine & beverage industry it was a regular method, even the cold-drink bottles are still following the same route, then why not ? It is perfectly safe, hence perfectly good.

In time to come, don't get shocked to see Water Shoppees with a Water Vending Machine (ATM) & branded bottles (Glass) with used ones too !

Other opinions :- Read Quora Q & A for this subject 

Is your Drinking Water Safe for Drinking ?

How Can you know your Drinking Water Quality ?

If you are your family members keep on getting certain health issues repeatedly, you suspect it's the Water, because of which, it's happening. Then you buy Aquaguard, or Kent RO or a Water purifier as per your choice & budget. Believing, finally you are getting good water.

How do you really know that ?

Getting the water tested & analyzed by experts : this is the only way. 

1. First, buy a TDS meter, to know your water TDS. TDS is nothing but the total count of invisible minerals & salts [both good & bad] in your water. Read this for more about TDS Level. 
2. Measure your Source Water TDS, Record that.
3. Measure your RO Output TDS, Record that.

This is the 1st basic test to know your water.

Buy the BIS Water Quality Standard.

From the BIS website, get the Water Quality Standard for drinking water. The standard for drinking water is IS 10500.

Use the "e-sale" option. Then you can compare the same yourself.

Smarter way , is to get the water tested, (Source & Final Water) from a lab & analyzed by an expert. He will certify the suitability of the water & the remedy for purifying the same.

You can also send it to us :

Just contact us, and we shall get it done for you.

Recycling PET is the next big thing, sure !

Invest in Recycling !

If you are looking for a good business opportunity, invest in Recycling! Recently I have read 2 good news, 1 from Saudi & today from Egypt. In the Saudi News, Aquafina was not just official "Hydration" (bottled water) partner, but also was very keen in keeping the PET waste collection bins at various locations. We had covered this in another Blogpost.

Now it was time for Egypt

Thanks to Scoopempire.com

in Cairo, at the Elgouna Film Festival, Aquafina again made its mark by sponsoring a special dress fashioned for actress Dorra, made out of 300 Aquafina Bottles. 

Aquafina collaborated with an upcycling firm from Egypt, Up-Fuse, A designer Studio - Kojack Studio & an advertising Agency- Rabbit Experience.

Aquafina has specially carved out this program for the film festival benefit called "Designing Out Waste". Clearly, Pepsico is not only showing its keen interest to collect & recycle its waste, but also very keen to get the word out to brand themselves.

Where is Bisleri ?

In India, are there any initiatives like this ? I am keen to see something from the giants : Bisleri. Besides advertising their own products with camels (though very creative), I have not seen much initiatives by them.

#update March 2020 : Bisleri is already into it : Producing uniforms from the collected, crushed, recycled bottles

Ref this news :- https://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/bisleri-makes-staff-uniforms-out-of-1000000-used-bottles-200305

There is definitely a lot of scope !

However, from a small producer's angle, there is a lot of scope for doing this. Just be creative & start a recycling campaign !