Clean Water for All – Solar-Powered Drinking Water Systems

Provide reliable, affordable drinking water to communities using solar pumps. Zero operational costs, automatic operation, and sustainable water security for villages, schools, hospitals, and public institutions.

Why Solar for Drinking Water?

Providing reliable drinking water to communities remains India’s greatest challenge. Solar pumps offer sustainable, cost-effective solution—especially in remote areas without reliable grid electricity. Zero operational costs ensure long-term water security and freedom from fuel dependence.

Reliable Supply

Solar provides 24/7 water (with storage tank). Consistent supply independent of grid or fuel availability.

Zero Operating Cost

No diesel or electricity purchases. Maintenance minimal (₹5,000-10,000/year). Sustainable for decades.

Automatic Operation

Float switch automatically controls pump. No operator needed. Fills tank overnight/during day automatically.

Environmental

Clean energy, no emissions. Drinking water safe from groundwater pollution. Community health improves.

Community Ownership

Communities own system, ensure proper maintenance and management. Builds community capacity.

Health Impact

Reliable water reduces waterborne diseases by 50-70%. Child mortality, malnutrition decreases significantly.

Drinking Water System Types

Water Supply Solutions by Requirement

Village Drinking Water System

Serves: 100-500 residents (typical small village)
Daily Requirement: 50-200 cubic meters (per capita 50-100 liters)
System: 2-5 HP solar pump + 5,000-50,000L storage tank
Installation: Borewell + overhead/underground tank + distribution lines
Cost: ₹5,00,000-15,00,000
Government Subsidy: 50-90% (village schemes highly subsidized)
Maintenance: ₹10,000/year
Benefit: Unlimited water supply, health security for village

School & Hospital Water

Serves: 500-5,000 daily users (school or health facility)
Daily Requirement: 10-50 cubic meters
System: 1-3 HP solar pump + 5,000-25,000L tank
Installation: Dedicated for institution’s water security
Cost: ₹3,00,000-10,00,000
Government Subsidy: High (educational/healthcare priority)
Unique Feature: Backup generator integration for continuous operation
Benefit: Operational independence from grid

Multi-Village Piped Water Network

Serves: 500-2,000 residents across multiple villages
Daily Requirement: 100-300 cubic meters collective
System: 5-10 HP solar pump + multiple distribution tanks
Installation: Centralized source with distribution piping to villages
Cost: ₹20,00,000-50,00,000
Government Subsidy: 60-75% (Jal Jeevan Mission priority)
Community Management: Village committees maintain local connections
Benefit: Economies of scale, shared infrastructure

Institutional Complex (Group Housing)

Serves: 1,000-5,000 residents (residential society, township)
Daily Requirement: 500-2,500 cubic meters
System: 10-25 HP solar pump + multiple 50,000L+ tanks
Installation: Centralized supply with pressure management
Cost: ₹50,00,000-200,00,000
Unique Aspect: Designed for integrated living communities
Benefit: Water independence + cost savings for residents

Mobile Solar Water Purification Unit

For: Disaster relief, emergency water supply, temporary camps
Capacity: 500-5,000 liters/day (mobile unit)
Features: Solar pump + filtration + purification + storage
Cost: ₹2,00,000-8,00,000
Unique Benefit: Can be relocated as per need
Use Case: Drought areas, post-disaster response

Drinking Water Requirement Calculation

Assessing Community Water Needs

Daily Per Capita Water Requirement:

Indian Standard (NITI Aayog):
– Basic drinking: 5-7 liters/person/day
– Cooking & hygiene: 10-15 liters/person/day
– Livestock & garden (if applicable): 5-10 liters/person/day
– TOTAL: 20-35 liters/person/day minimum

Recommended Supply (Adequate Living):
– 40-50 liters/person/day (urban standards)
– 30-40 liters/person/day (rural adequate)

CALCULATION EXAMPLE: Village of 500 residents

Daily water need: 500 × 35 liters = 17,500 liters/day

Monthly: 17,500 × 30 = 5,25,000 liters = 525 cubic meters/month

Peak demand (summer): +30% = 22,750 liters/day
Peak months: April-June (3 months highest consumption)
Baseline months: July-March (lower due to monsoon contribution)

SYSTEM SIZING:
Storage tank: Minimum 50% daily usage = 8,500-11,000 liters
Recommended: 100% daily usage = 17,500+ liters
Pump capacity: Should fill storage in 6-8 hours
Pumping hours available: 6-8 hours during peak sun
Pump requirement: 17,500 ÷ 7 hours = 2,500 liters/hour = 42 liters/minute = 1-2 HP pump (accounting for friction losses and depth)

RECOMMENDED SYSTEM:
Solar panels: 3-4 kW
Pump: 2 HP submersible
Storage tank: 25,000-50,000 liters (covers 1-2 days supply)

Drinking Water System Components

Community Water Infrastructure

Component	Specification	Function	Drinking Water Requirement
Solar PV Panels	3-10 kW, high durability	Generate electricity	Withstand harsh weather, 25-year life
Water Pump	1-5 HP, food-grade materials	Extract and deliver water	No contamination, NSF certified
Storage Tank	5,000-50,000L, overhead/underground	Store water for 24-hour supply	Food-grade, covered to prevent contamination
Water Filtration	Sand, sediment, carbon	Remove impurities	Pre-treatment before distribution
UV/Chlorination	filters Optional treatment systems	Kill pathogens	Ensure potable water quality
Distribution Lines	HDPE pipes, food-grade	Transport water to taps	No chemical leaching, food-safe
Public Standposts	Vandal-proof taps	Community water access points	Hygiene-friendly, leak prevention
Water Quality Meter	TDS/pH monitoring	Ensure potable standards	Regular quality checks
Float Switch & Valve	Automatic controls	Prevent overflow	Ensures safety and efficiency
Solar Charge Controller	MPPT or PWM	Optimize power to pump	Extends system life, improves reliability

Take Control of Your Power Costs

Install rooftop solar and protect your home from unpredictable utility bills — start saving from day one.

Drinking Water System Design & Installation

Complete Water Supply Project Delivery

Phase 1: Planning & Design (Week 1-4)

Community Needs Assessment

Census and water consumption survey
Identify water sources (borewell, surface)
Assess existing water infrastructure
Community meeting and stakeholder engagement
Finalize system design and locations

Hydrogeological Survey

Test water quality (TDS, bacteria, chemical)
Determine borewell depth/source viability
Calculate sustainable yield
Identify water table fluctuations

Technical Design

System capacity calculation
Pump and solar sizing
Storage tank design and location
Distribution pipeline routing
Treatment system specification (if needed)

Financial & Subsidy Planning

Project cost estimation
Government scheme eligibility (Jal Jeevan, PMKY, etc.)
Subsidy application preparation
Community contribution assessment (if needed)

Phase 2: Approvals & Permissions (Week 4-7)

Government Clearances

District water authority approval
Environmental clearance (if needed)
Village/Gram Panchayat NOC
MSEDCL grid if any hybrid component

Subsidy Processing

Submit subsidy application with designs
Government evaluation and approval
Subsidy sanction letter issuance

Phase 3: Construction (Week 7-14)

Borewell/Water Source Development

Borewell drilling (if needed)
Well development and testing
Water quality confirmation

Infrastructure Installation

Solar panel installation
Pump and controller installation
Storage tank construction/installation
Pipeline laying (underground where possible)
Standpost and tap installation
Filtration/treatment system setup

Quality Control

Testing at each installation stage
Pressure testing of pipelines
Water quality verification

Phase 4: Commissioning & Training (Week 14-16)

System Activation

Full system testing
Water flow and quality verification
Automatic controls verification

Community Training

Operator training on daily operations
Maintenance procedures
Water quality monitoring
Basic troubleshooting
Emergency contact protocols

Formal Handover

Community management committee formation
Operation manual and documentation
Warranty and support details
Maintenance schedule
Cost recovery mechanism (if applicable)

Project Implementation Timeline: 12-16 Weeks

Drinking Water Financial Model

Sustainable Cost Model

Financial Case Study: Village of 500 People

System Components:
– Solar panels (4 kW): ₹2,00,000
– Pump (2 HP): ₹60,000
– Storage tank (25,000L): ₹1,50,000
– Filtration system: ₹50,000
– Pipeline & distribution: ₹2,00,000
– Civil work & installation: ₹1,40,000
———–
TOTAL PROJECT COST: ₹8,00,000

Subsidy Breakdown (Jal Jeevan Mission):
– Government subsidy (90% typical): -₹7,20,000
– Community/local contribution: -₹50,000
———–
VILLAGE NET COST: ₹30,000 (one-time minimal contribution)

Annual Operating Cost:
Current Water Supply (Assuming Electricity Previously): Annual electricity cost: ₹60,000
Additional maintenance: ₹10,000
Administrative cost: ₹5,000
TOTAL ANNUAL COST: ₹75,000

With Solar Water System:
Electricity cost: ₹0 (solar powered)
Annual maintenance: ₹8,000 (more efficient)
Administrative cost: ₹5,000
TOTAL ANNUAL COST: ₹13,000
ANNUAL SAVINGS: ₹62,000

WATER COST PER PERSON PER YEAR:
Old system: ₹75,000 ÷ 500 = ₹150/person/year
New system: ₹13,000 ÷ 500 = ₹26/person/year Savings
per person: ₹124/person/year (83% reduction!)

25-Year Cost Analysis:
Capital Cost (one-time): ₹30,000
Annual maintenance: ₹13,000 × 25 = ₹3,25,000
———–
25-YEAR TOTAL COST: ₹3,55,000

Compared to Grid Electricity System:
Grid system ongoing cost: ₹75,000 × 25 = ₹18,75,000

TOTAL 25-YEAR SAVINGS: ₹15,20,000!
Net Benefit Per Person: ₹30,400 per person over 25 years Monthly per Person Benefit: ₹100 (enormous for poor communities!)

Cost Recovery Mechanism (Optional):

Model 1: Free Community Water (Government Funded)
– 100% subsidy covers all costs
– No community payment needed
– Gram Panchayat maintains system

Model 2: Nominal Community Fee
– Charge ₹5-10 per household/month
– Generates maintenance fund
– Builds community ownership

Model 3: Usage-Based Pricing
– Charge per 1,000 liters (₹20-50)
– Higher users pay more (incentivizes conservation)
– Surplus funds build equipment reserve

Most successful: Model 2 (nominal fee + community ownership)

Drinking Water System Case Studies

Community Water Security Success Stories

Case Study 1: Desert Village – Rajasthan

Profile: Village of 300 people, 80+ km from nearest water source Challenge: Acute water scarcity, children missing school fetching water Solution: Solar pump system + 20,000L storage tank

Installation:
– System cost: ₹5 lakhs
– Subsidy (90%): ₹4.5 lakhs
– Village cost: ₹50,000 (from own resources)
– Local committee formed for management

Results (Year 1):
– Water available 24/7 at village standpost
– Women freed from 4-hour daily water collection
– School attendance improves (especially girls)
– Health improvements: Waterborne diseases -40%
– Community pride in water independence

5-Year Impact:
– Educational outcomes: Girls’ school enrollment +60%
– Women’s work participation: +30% (time saved)
– Agricultural productivity: +25% (more water for farming)
– Health indicators: Major improvement across board
– Cost of system: Paid back in 2 years via health/productivity gains

Case Study 2: Rural School – Maharashtra

Profile: School with 400 students, inadequate water for hygiene/cooking Challenge: No functioning water system, students vulnerable to waterborne disease
Solution: 2 kW solar pump + 10,000L tank + distribution to classrooms

Installation:
– System cost: ₹3.5 lakhs
– Subsidy (85% educational scheme): ₹3 lakhs
– School contribution: ₹50,000
– Operated by school principal + designated teacher

Results:
– Clean water available for students and staff
– Mid-day meal program improved (clean cooking water)
– Toilet flushing possible (hygiene improvement)
– School attendance: +8% (health-related absences decrease)
– Academic performance: +5% (healthier students perform better)
– Teachers morale: High (comfortable facilities)
– Model school recognized by district administration

Outcome: System becomes self-sustaining, replicated in 5 other schools

Drinking Water Quality & Safety

Ensuring Potable Water Quality

Water Quality Standards (Indian Standards):

Parameter | Safe Limit | Testing Frequency | Microbial
E. coli | 0 CFU/100mL | Weekly
Fecal Coliforms | 0 CFU/100mL | Weekly

Chemical

Arsenic | 0.01 mg/L | Quarterly
Lead | 0.015 mg/L | Quarterly
Nitrate | 45 mg/L | Quarterly
Fluoride | 1 mg/L | Quarterly

Physical

Turbidity | <1 NTU | Daily
pH | 6.5-8.5 | Daily
TDS | 500 mg/L | Monthly

Filtration Only (Simple)

Sand filter + sediment filter
Removes visible particles and sediment
Cost: ₹30,000-50,000
Maintenance: Regular backflushing
Suitable for: Already good quality groundwater

Filtration + Chlorination

Sand filter + activated carbon + chlorine dispenser
Removes particles + pathogens
Cost: ₹50,000-80,000
Maintenance: Monthly chlorine replenishment
Suitable for: Most groundwater sources

Filtration + UV Treatment

Sand filter + UV sterilization
Removes particles + kills pathogens
Cost: ₹80,000-1,20,000
Maintenance: Annual UV bulb replacement
Suitable for: Higher contamination sources

Complete Treatment (Advanced)

Multimedia filtration + carbon + UV + reverse osmosis
Comprehensive purification
Cost: ₹2,00,000-5,00,000
Maintenance: Professional-grade
Suitable for: High contamination or specialized needs

Community Management & Sustainability

Ensuring Long-Term System Viability

Committee Composition (Recommended):
– Village Sarpanch/Chief: Oversight
– Women Representative: 50% of decisions
– Youth Representative: Technical awareness
– Operator/Mechanic: Day-to-day operations
– Accountant: Financial management
Total: 5-7 member committee

Responsibilities:
– Daily system monitoring
– Monthly maintenance scheduling
– Quarterly financial accounting
– Annual water quality testing
– Community coordination for fee collection
– Emergency response and troubleshooting
– Annual report to village assembly

Decision-Making:
– Quorum: 3/5 members
– Voting: Unanimous for major decisions
– Transparency: Monthly community bulletin

Recommended Model:
– Monthly fee: ₹20-30 per household
– Collection rate target: 90%+
– Fund allocation:
– 60%: Maintenance and repairs
– 20%: Operator salary
– 10%: Contingency/emergency fund
– 10%: Equipment replacement reserve

Financial Health Indicators:
– Collection rate: >85% (indicator of community satisfaction)
– Operating cost coverage: >100% (system self-sustaining)
– Emergency fund: Minimum 3 month reserves
– No external subsidy dependence: Goal after Year 3

Daily Operations
– System startup and shutdown
– Water quality visual checks
– Meter reading and documentation

Basic Maintenance
– Filter backflushing
– Valve operation
– Pipe identification and leak detection
– Safety procedures

Emergency Response
– Troubleshooting common issues
– When to call technician
– Emergency shutdown procedure
– Community communication

Record Keeping
– Daily log maintenance
– Maintenance schedule tracking
– Cost documentation
– Water quality records

Training Duration: 10-15 days (initial)
Refresher Training: Annual (2-3 days)
Operator Certification: Provided upon completion
Support: 24/7 phone support from our team for first 2 years

Government Schemes for Drinking Water

Leveraging Government Support

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Coverage: Aiming to provide tap water to all rural households by 2024
Subsidy: 50-90% depending on state
Support for solar: Encouraged for remote areas
Amount: Up to ₹3,60,000 per household for tap connections
Implementation: Involves state water authority coordination

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Focus: Irrigation and water security
Component: Solar pumps for water supply
Subsidy: 50-75%
Amount: Up to ₹2,50,000 for solar system
Eligibility: Farmers and communities

State-Specific Schemes

Maharashtra: Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan (MJSa)
Gujarat: Nal Se Jal Yojana
Rajasthan: Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan
Each state has 50-90% subsidy for solar water systems

NRLM/PMEGP

For: NGOs and community organizations
Support: Income generation linked to water distribution
Subsidy: 40-60% for infrastructure
Unique: Can combine with livelihood components

Scheme	Subsidy	Focus	Grant Amount	Best For
JJM	50-90%	All rural households	₹3,60,000/HH	Large villages
PMKSY	50-75%	Agricultural water	₹2,50,000	Farmers’ groups
State Scheme	60-90%	State priority areas	₹2,00,000-5,00,0 00	Region-specif ic

Why Choose Raut Renewable Energy – Drinking Water

Trusted Community Water Partner

Community-Focused

Design systems for community ownership and long-term sustainability

Subsidy Expert

Navigate Jal Jeevan Mission, PMKSY, and state schemes

End-to-End Solution

From planning through training, we manage entire project

Quality Assurance

NSF-certified components, potable water standards compliance

Community Building

Help establish management committees and sustainable models

Proven Track Record

50+ community water projects across India

Ongoing Support

5+ year post-installation support and training

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is solar for drinking water 24/7?

Very reliable with proper storage tank. System generates during day, storage provides night. 24/7 water security achieved.

Can the system handle peak demand in summer?

Yes. System sized for peak summer demand + 50% buffer. Storage tank ensures continuous supply even during low generation days.

What if groundwater quality is poor?

We test water first. If needed, add treatment system (UV, RO, etc.). Costs extra but ensures potable water.

How is community fee collection managed?

Committee collects monthly fee (₹20-30/household). Builds sustainability fund. Better compliance when community sees benefits.

What happens if pump breaks?

Rare, but we provide spare pump on-site for villages. Repairs usually within 24-48 hours. Communities build emergency fund.

Can system be expanded for new population?

Yes. Modular design allows expansion. Scaling up is straightforward if pump and tank capacity planned accordingly.

Who monitors water quality?

Operator performs daily visual checks. Quarterly professional testing from health department. Simple TDS meter provided.

Is operator certification necessary?

Not legally required but highly recommended. 2-week training ensures proper operation and long system lifespan.

What about maintenance during monsoon?

Minimal. System mostly waterproof. Annual maintenance covers any issues. Monsoon usually reduces demand anyway.

Can household connections be added later?

Yes. Initial system public standposts. Household connections can be added as community demand grows (with additional piping).