Minutes of Meeting – 16th Annual General Body Meeting
Date: July 25th, 2023
Time: 9.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Attendees: 83
Sponsors for the Meeting
| Sr No. | Company Name | Member Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IAPMO USA | Platinum Sponsor |
| 2 | Filtrex | Silver Sponsor |
| 3 | Lexcru | Silver Sponsor |
| 4 | Pure N Safe | Lunch Sponsor |
| 5 | Kent RO | Lunch Sponsor |
| 6 | Technorbital | High Tea Sponsor |
| 7 | Shri Hightech | High Tea Sponsor |
| 8 | ION Exchange | High Tea Sponsor |
| 9 | Delta Pure | High Tea Sponsor |
| 10 | HUL Limited | High Tea Sponsor |
| 11 | Brita | Welcome Kit |
AGM Reserve Fund
| Sr No. | Company Name | Funds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eureka Forbes | 22,000/- |
| 2 | Sarjan Water Tech | 22,000/- |
| 3 | GSE | 22,000/- |
| 4 | AO smith | 22,000/- |
| 5 | Alfa UV | 22,000/ |
| 6 | Livpure | 22,000/- |
Minutes
1. Welcome Speech by Koushik Bharath:
Mr. Koushik Bharath, from Water Quality India Association initiated the meeting with a warm welcome to all attendees. He emphasized the importance of the event in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals in the field.
2. Introduction and Address of President:
Mr. Suresh Redhu, the President of Water Quality India Association, took the stage to provide an overview of the association’s recent activities, achievements, and future goals. He highlighted the importance of addressing water quality challenges in India and how the association is actively contributing to this cause and everyone present at the hall introduced themselves.
3. Keynote Speaker - Professor Sirshendu De spoke on Ultra-Low-Cost Removal of Arsenic and Fluoride from Groundwater:
- Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a major problem in many parts of the world, including India
- Arsenic can cause a variety of health problems, including skin cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological problems.
- The main source of arsenic contamination is the weathering of rocks that contain arsenic.
- The arsenic can then dissolve in groundwater and be consumed by people.
- There are a number of ways to remove arsenic from groundwater, including using activated alumina or granular ferric hydroxide.
- However, these methods can be expensive and require regular maintenance.
- Professor De and histeam have developed a low-cost method for removing arsenic from groundwater using activated laterite.
- Activated laterite is a type ofsoil that isrich in iron and aluminum hydroxides, which can bind to arsenic molecules.
- The team has found that activated laterite can remove up to 90% of arsenic from groundwater.
- The method is simple to use and can be easily implemented in rural areas.
Professor De’s work is a significant contribution to the fight against arsenic contamination. The low-cost activated laterite method has the potential to provide safe drinking water to millions of people around the world
Here are some additional details about the activated laterite method:
- The activated laterite is made by treating natural laterite soil with a weak acid solution.
- This treatment increases the porosity of the soil and makes it more effective at binding to arsenic molecules.
- The activated laterite can be packed into a column and used to filter groundwater
- The water flows through the column and the arsenic molecules are removed by the activated laterite.
- The activated laterite can be regenerated by backwashing it with a weak acid solution.
The activated laterite method is a promising new way to remove arsenic from groundwater. It is low-cost, simple to use, and effective. The method has the potential to make a significant impact on the health of millions of people around the world.
4. BIS Certification Program for IS 16240 - RO Standard by Ms. Nitasha Doger, Mr. Shouvik Chanda:
Speaker 1 – Nitasha Doger:
Here are some of the key points:
- BIS standard 16240 is a mandatory certification for water purification systems used in domestic and industrial settings.
- The standard specifiesthe different teststhat are required to ensure that the systems meet the required quality standards.
- The conformity assessment process for BIS standard 16240 involves a third-party certification body.
- The standard covers a wide range of requirements, including design and construction, material, performance, and microbiological reduction.
- The standard is constantly being updated to reflect the latest technological advancements.
- BIS is working on an R&D project to improve the recovery efficiency of RO systems.
- Standards are important because they provide a common criterion for acceptability of any product and service.
- Conformity assessment enhances the value of standards by establishing procedures that provide assurance that the requirements of the standards are complied with.
- The three main pillars of quality infrastructure in the country are standards, conformity assessment, and technical regulations.
Speaker 2 – Shouvik Chanda:
Here are some of the key points:
- Initial attestation: The applicant applies to BIS and has their product tested by a third-party lab.
- Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic inspections to ensure that the product continues to meet the requirements of the standard.
- The application process is online and can be completed through the Manage Online website. The application fee is ₹5,000 for the initial attestation and ₹2,000 for each year of surveillance.
- The simplified procedure is available for applicants who have a test report from a BIS-recognized lab. This procedure is shorter and less expensive than the normal procedure.
- The product manual for BIS standard 16240 provides detailed information on the testing requirements, sample size, and list of test equipment. It also includesinformation on the scope of the license and the requirements for factory surveillance.
- The 5% pneumatic test is a requirement of the BIS standard 16240, but it is only for the purpose of factory inspection. The standard does not specify a minimum frequency of testing for the pneumatic test, so the manufacturer can decide how often to test the system after it is installed.
- The pneumatic test is important for the integrity of the treatment train, but it is not necessary to do the test at the factory.
- BIS is not currently developing standards for hydrogen water or alkaline water. These products are considered to be food, and the food standards are now being developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Numerous questions were posed to the speakers below; here are a couple that are particularly intriguing
Question: The standard specifies that either the TDS meter should be built into the product, or a handheld TDS meter should be provided to the customer. The standard also states that the calibration and maintenance of the handheld TDS meter is the responsibility of the industry. How will the industry manage this, given that the meter will be with the customer for a long me?
Answer: The industry will need to provide clear instructions on how to calibrate and maintain the handheld TDS meter to the customer. The instructions should also include information on how open the meter should be calibrated. The industry should also offer a calibration service to customers.
Question: The standard specifies that the performance of the product should be periodically tested as part of the maintenance cycle. However, not all aspects of the product’s performance can be tested at the customer’s location. For example, the recovery rate cannot be easily tested. How will the industry ensure that the product is meeting the requirements of the standard?
Answer: The industry will need to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes testing all aspects of the product’s performance. This plan should be customized for each product and should take into account the specific requirements of the standard. The industry should also train its technicians on how to properly maintain the products.
Question: The standard specifies that the TDS meter should be calibrated at least once a year. However, some manufacturers argue that this is not necessary, as the meter is not used very open. What is the industry’s view on this?
Answer: The industry believes that it is important to calibrate the TDS meter at least once a year, even if it is not used very often. This is because the meter can drift overtime, and inaccurate readings can lead to problems with the product. The industry also believes that it is important to have a clear and transparent policy on calibration, so that customers know what to expect.
In addition to the above, here are some other points that were discussed:
- The standard does not specifically addressthe issue of alkaline water. This is because there is no single definition of alkaline water, and the industry is still developing standards for this type of water.
- The standard does not specify the type of handheld TDS meter that should be used. This is because there are many different types of meters available, and the best type for a particular product will depend on the specific requirements of the product.
- The standard does not specify the frequency with which the performance of the product should be tested. This is because the frequency of testing will depend on the specific product and the environment in which itis used
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manufacturers of water purification systems. The meeting is to discuss the new standard for water purification systems, which was released in 2023.
The manufacturers are concerned about some of the requirements of the new standard, particularly the following:
- The requirement of both test eradicated cysts and microspheresis not required in case of Reverse Osmosis Purification having bypass. Recommendation to be done to test eradicated Cyst or Microsphere (Annex D of BIS 16240 – 2023)
- The requirement to conduct a global migration test on all components of the water purification system. The manufacturers argue that this is not practical, as some components, such as filters, are designed to leach certain substances into the water.
- The lack of a standard for testing the corrosion resistance of plastic components. The manufacturers argue that they cannot be held liable for the corrosion of plastic components, as there is no way to test for this. The BIS representatives acknowledged the concernsofthemanufacturers and said thattheywould take them into account when considering any amendments to the standard. They also encouraged the manufacturers to submit their own comments and suggestions to the BIS.
In the end, the meeting was productive and both sides agreed to work together to ensure that the new standard is fair and practical for all stake holders.
Here are some additional points that were discussed:
- The importance of clear and concise instructions in the product manual.
- The need for manufacturers to be able to demonstrate that their products comply with the standard.
- The role of auditors in ensuring that the standard is being met.
- The talk concludes with the BIS representatives thanking the manufacturers for their participation and inviting them to contact the BIS with any further questions or concerns.
5. Domestic Water Purifier Market outlook by Vikas Yadav from Techscience Research:
- The global residential water purifier market is expected to grow from $14.2 billion in 2018 to $43.9 billion by 2030.
- The Asia Pacific region isthe largest market for water purifiers, followed by North America.
- The Indian market for water purifiers is expected to grow from $0.9 billion in 2022 to $2.2 billion by 2028.
- The countertop water purifier isthe most popular type of water purifier, followed by the undercounter water purifier.
- Retail stores are the main sales channel for water purifiers, but online sales are growing rapidly
- The most important factorsfor Indian consumers when purchasing a water purifier are product quality, technology, after-sales service, and pricing.
- The factors that are impacting the growth of the water purifier market in India include the increasing penetration of e-commerce, urbanization, and the growing popularity of payment options such as interest free EMIs.
Summary
The global residential water purifier market has witnessed substantial growth, projected to reach $43.90 billion by 2030 from $14.2 billion in 2018. The anticipated annual growth rate of around 13.4% between 2023 and 2028 is driven by factors such as expanding markets in regions like Asia Pacific and North America.
Asia Pacific, led by China, constitutes a significant portion of the market at 54.6%, followed by North America. The market expansion is reflected in my own experience of assisting a Chinese company to penetrate the Indonesian market, where water purifier companies are exploring new territories, including the Middle East region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The Indian market has shown promise, with its water purifier market reaching $0.90 billion in 2022 and expected to grow to $2.2 billion by 2028. Subscription models are changing the dynamics of the water purifier market, providing more accessible options for consumers, especially with factors like affordability, convenience, and flexibility driving their popularity.
Technology trends indicate that automated filters are expected to dominate with a share of 35.3%, followed by UV filters at 23.8%. The emergence of multi-stage purifiers, combining various technologies, is also gaining momentum, accounting for a significant share of 23.9%.
E-commerce is playing a pivotal role, with India projected to become a dominant e-commerce market. Initiatives to provide affordable housing and urbanization are expected to drive demand further. The prevalence of easy payment options, interest-free EMIs, and digital payments in India is fostering growth and enhancing affordability.
The market landscape is witnessing a shift from traditional retail to e-commerce, with direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands emerging and capturing a substantial market share. Influencing factors like product quality, technology, after-sales service, pricing, and filter replacement cycles significantly impact consumers’ purchase decisions.
Subscription models are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience, particularly for those with shorter stays or budget constraints. These models are disrupting the market and influencing consumer choices. While specific data wasn’t available during the discussion, our research shows that affordability and flexibility are the driving forces behind this trend.
In conclusion, the water purifier market is evolving dynamically, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and innovative business models like subscriptions. As the industry continues to grow, understanding and adapting to these trends will be crucial for both consumers and businesses.
6. IS 16240:2015 and IS 16240:2023 - Standard Updates, Timelines of Certifications & etc., by Dr. Neeraj Gupta and Mr. Mukthesh Pathi:
Neeraj Gupta is discussing the new BIS standard for reverse osmosis(RO) water purifiers. The standard became mandatory on April 4, 2023, and all RO water purifiers sold in India must now comply with it.
Speakers mentions several open points in the standard, including:
- The overall migration test is not feasible for all RO water purifiers, as some components are designed to leach.
- There is no standard for testing the corrosion resistance of plastic materials.
- The standard requires that each lot of components be tested for migration, which is a time-consuming and expensive process.
- The standard requires that manufacturers test each unit for chemical contamination every week, which is also a time-consuming and expensive process.
- The definition of "control unit" is unclear
- The standard does not specify how to handle integrated RO water purifiers.
- Speakers also discuss the challenges of complying with the standard, such as the need to obtain certificates for food grade and corrosion resistance materials.
Overall, Neeraj Gupta is optimistic that the new BIS standard will improve the quality of RO water purifiers in India. However, they also acknowledge that there are some challenges that need to be addressed.
Here are some additional details about the open points mentioned by the speakers:
- The overall migration test is a test that measures the amount of a substance that leaches from a material over time. In the case of RO water purifiers, the concern is that the plastic components of the purifier may leach harmful substances into the water. The standard requires that the overall migration of all components be below 60 milligrams per liter. However, some components, such as activated carbon filters, are designed to leach small amounts of substances into the water. This makes it difficult to comply with the standard for all RO water purifiers.
- There is no standard for testing the corrosion resistance of plastic materials. This means that there is no way to objectively measure how well a plastic material will resist corrosion in water. As a result, it is difficult to ensure that the plastic components of an RO water purifier will not corrode over time.
- The standard requires that each lot of components be tested for migration. This means that if a manufacturer receives a new shipment of components, they must test all of the components to ensure that they meet the standard. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, especially for small manufacturers.
- The standard requires that each lot of components be tested for migration. This means that if a manufacturer receives a new shipment of components, they must test all of the components to ensure that they meet the standard. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, especially for small manufacturers.
- The definition of "control unit" is unclear. The standard defines a control unit as "a unit that is used to demonstrate the compliance of the product with the requirements of this standard." However, it is not clear what constitutes a control unit. This could lead to confusion and disagreement between manufacturers and auditors.
- The standard does not specify how to handle integrated RO water purifiers. Integrated RO water purifiers are those that are combined with other appliances, such as water coolers. The standard does not specify how to test these types of purifiers. This could lead to confusion and disagreement between manufacturers and auditors
7. BIS certification requirements: Application Process by Sunil Trivedi:
The speaker is talking about the process of applying for a BIS license for a CRS (Certified Reference Material) product. Sunil Trivedi, who was the first person to get a BIS license for a CRS product. The speaker then goes on to explain the application process, which is completely online and menu-driven. The speaker also mention that there have been some issues with the interpretation of the standards by auditors, but that these issues are being resolved.
They then go over the steps involved in the application process, which are as follows:
- Create an account on the BIS website.
- Fill out the application form and pay the application fee.
- Provide the required documents, such asthe product's technicalspecifications, manufacturing process, and quality control procedures.
- Submit the application to the BIS.
The speaker then provides a list of the documents that need to be prepared for the application, including:
- A registration form
- A product compliance report
- A list of the instruments that will be used to test the product
- A copy of the product's technical specifications
- A sample of the product
The speaker also mentions that there is a marking fee of ₹1,88,000 plus GST that needs to be paid when the application is submitted.
Once the application is submitted, the BIS will audit the facility where the product is manufactured. The auditor will draw samples of the product and send them to a laboratory for testing. If the product meets the standards, the BIS will grant a license to the manufacturer.
The speaker concludes by emphasizing that all communication with the BIS will be through the online portal. The speaker also mentions that the auditor will notify the manufacturer in advance of their visit.
Here are some additional details from the text:
- The speaker mentions that the interpretation of the standards by auditors has been an issue. This is because the standards are new and there isstillsome confusion about how they should be applied. The speaker says that this issue is being resolved, but it may take some time.
- The speaker also mentionsthat there is a minimum amount of testing that must be done in-house. However,the auditor may allow the manufacturerto subcontractsome ofthe testing to a third-party laboratory.
- The speaker emphasizes that all communication with the BIS will be through the online portal. This means that manufacturers will need to be sure to check the portal regularly for updates and notifications.
8. IS 14724: UV standard update by Dr Sathish Kumar
Dr Sathish Kumar is talking about the revision of the Indian standard for UV water purifiers, IS 14724. The original standard was published in 1999 and has been amended twice since then. The current revision, which is still under development, includes the following changes:
- The scope of the standard has been clarified to cover point-of-use (POU) systems with a flow rate of up to 2 liters per minute.
- The standard now explicitly states that it does not cover the requirements for consumables or filters.
- The standard has been updated to include references to other relevant standards,such as IS 16240, which is the Indian standard for drinking water quality.
- The construction of POU UV water purifiersis now more clearly defined, with schematic diagrams provided to illustrate the different components.
- The standard has been expanded to include additional optional components, such as sediment filters and pumps.
- The requirements for the material of construction have been clarified, with specific mention of the need to prevent corrosion.
- The requirements for the indications used to indicate the status ofthe UV systemhave been made more generic to accommodate different technologies.
- The method for measuring the flow rate has been updated to correlate it with the feed pressure.
- The microbial reduction requirements have been updated to include MS-2 bacteriophage for 254 nanometer UV systems and Q beta for UV systems that do not fall in this category.
Dr. Satish Kumar also noted that the revised standard is not yet mandatory and isstill under discussion.
Here are some additional details from the text:
- The revision of the standard was initiated in June 2022 and the first draft was released in February 2023.
- The second draft of the standard is still under development and has not yet been published.
- The standard is expected to be finalized and published in the near future.
9. Standardsfor Community Scale Water Treatment Systems – Update by Dr Sunil Dhole
- Dr. Sunil Dhole is leading a committee to develop standards for community-scale water treatment systems.
- The committee is still in the early stages of development, but they have made some progress.
- They have clarified the definition of a community-scale water treatment system and included different types of systems in the scope of the standards.
- They have also made some changes to the requirements for water quality.
- The committee is still discussing some of the details, but they hope to finalize the standards soon.
Here are some of the key points that were discussed in the text:
- The committee is considering a definition of a community-scale water treatment system that is based on the flow rate. A system that produces more than 50 liters of water per hour would be considered a community-scale system.
- The committee is also considering including different types of water treatment systems in the scope of the standards. This includes systems that use filtration, disinfection, and other technologies.
- The committee is making some changes to the requirements for water quality. They are considering requiring that the output water meetthe standardsset by IS 10500, which isthe Indian tandard for drinking water quality.
- The committee is also considering requiring that the water treatment system be designed to treat the specific contaminantsthat are present in the source water.
- The committee is still discussing some of the details, such as the specific requirements for different types of systems and the level of compliance that isrequired.
In the additional content Dr. Sunil Dhole explains that the committee is considering that the water treatment system be designed to treat the specific contaminants that are present in the source water. This is because different regions have different water quality challenges. For example, some regions may have high levels of arsenic, while others may have high levels of fluoride. The committee wants to ensure that the water treatment system is effective in removing the specific contaminants that are present in the source water.
The committee is still discussing this requirement, and it is not yet clear how it will be implemented. However, it is an important consideration as the committee develops the standards for community-scale water treatment systems.
10. Regulatory affairs updates by Suresh Redhu:
- The government is working on severalregulationsrelated to water purifiers, including standardsfor water recovery, usage of reject water, and right to service.
- These regulations are intended to improve the environmental impact of water purifiers and protect the rights of consumers.
- The Water Quality India Association (WQIA) is working with the government to develop these regulations and ensure that they are implemented effectively.
- WQIA is also encouraging its membersto stay engaged with the process and provide feedback.
Here are some of the specific points that were mentioned in the text:
- The government is increasing the minimum water recovery requirement for water purifiers from 20% to 40%.
- This is intended to reduce the amount of water wasted by water purifiers.
- The government is also working on recommendationsfor the safe and sustainable use ofreject water from water purifiers.
- This could include using reject water for irrigation, cleaning, or other purposes.
- The government is also considering a right to service law, which would give consumersthe right to repair their water purifiers without being restricted by the manufacturer.
- This law isintended to protect consumers' rights and ensure that they have accessto affordable and timely repairs.
WQIA is actively involved in the development of these regulations and is working to ensure that they are implemented effectively. The organization is also encouraging its members to stay engaged with the process and provide feedback.
- Closing and Vote of Thanks by Prashanth Dayal
With the meeting’s conclusion, gratitude extends to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors whose collective efforts enriched this AGM. We appreciate the diligent work of Mr. Koushik and Ms. Keerthana, along with the audiovisual team’s support and the Juniper Hall staff’s culinary excellence. Prashanth Dayal from BRITA encapsulated our sentiments in his Vote of Thanks, highlighting unity’s role in our journey. This collaborative spirit ensures the growth of shared aspirations and endeavors.
- Next Meeting Announcement
The members of the Water Quality India Association will be notified once the meeting location and the date will be finalized.
The minutes of the meeting conducted on July 25th, 2023, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, have been summarized. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 17th Annual General Body Meeting for an engaging and informative session filled with enjoyment.