Background

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges in India today. According to a composite water management index report published by NITI Aayog, approximately 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress with 75% of  households not having access to clean drinking water. This issue is further exacerbated within congested urban areas where underserved or low-income families face the brunt of water scarcity due to limited infrastructure, awareness and access to helpful resources. The absence of sustainable conservation practices aggravates the crisis by leaving several individuals vulnerable to hygiene and health-related risks brought about by stale and contaminated water. 

Despite such distressing conditions, the development and distribution of impactful solutions remains largely untapped. While rainwater harvesting, purification technologies and community-driven conservation show promise, they remain under-utilized due to financial, logistical and educational constraints.  

The WaterWise Initiative has emerged in response to this very reality. By analyzing the difficulties experienced by disadvantaged communities, the project aims to take a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, information and public participation towards promoting self-reliant water sustainability and ensuring that even the most marginalized groups secure their basic right to accessing clean water.