DJB allows consumers to install BIS and IP 68 marked quality water meters from market
An effective metering system to ensure that all the citizens avail the benefit of 20 KL of free water
The Government of NCT of Delhi is committed to provide lifeline water free of cost to the citizens. In order to facilitate the consumers to avail 20 KL of free water to each household, it is necessary that consumers have functional water meters to measure consumption. Currently, DJB has 21.19 lac connections. To give freedom to consumers to install a meter of their choice and satisfaction and to ensure that each household has a working water meter, DJB is taking steps to enable consumers to buy meters from the market on their own and install them. based on the specifications provided by DJB. This decision has been taken not only to expedite the process of installation of quality water meters but also to facilitate the consumers to avail the facility of 20 KL free water at the earliest possible.
DJB, for the convenience of consumers has identified BIS and IP 68 marked quality water meters in the market. Consumers can purchase BIS standard with IP68 specification water meters from the open market and get these installed at their home. However, consumers can also request DJB to replace their non functional water meters. DJB will replace the meters and will also provide a guarantee period of 7 years as compared to a 5 year guarantee for the same meters available in the open market.
Water meters meeting BIS standards with IP68 specification have several advantages over other meters available in the market. These meters are tamper proof, leak proof, dust proof and water proof hence have less chance of hindrance in meter reading due to vapor, dust etc. These meters also have features such as indication of alarm in the system for leakage, overflow, tampering, reverse and backflow. These meters are sensitive and accurate upto 2%.
Besides this, DJB has also started installing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters at its own cost. These meters reduce inconvenience to the consumers as they minimize human intervention with the added advantage of speedy/accurate readings and will also facilitate DJB with timely availability of readings leading to billing at regular intervals. No reading manipulation, is possible with these new water meters. The AMR meters are connected with the system and hence are required to be installed to cover an entire locality for optimum results.
The water meters provided by the Board are tested by the Fluid Control Research Institute (FCRI), Kerala Labs and have passed through endurance tests. To address any grievances pertaining to water meters installed by DJB, consumers can get their water meter tested, free of cost, at their nearest Test Bench, set up by DJB at Trilok Puri, Lodhi Road and Pitam Pura. DJB is also planning to organize a “Pani Adalat” to address the grievances pertaining to metering issues.
To streamline the process of installation of water meters, DJB will be inviting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to empanel manufacturers who produce BIS standard with IP68 specification water meters. The process is expected to be completed by 2 months. The factories and facility of testing water meters shall be inspected by the expert team members who will participate in the EOI.
An effective metering system will ensure that all the citizens avail the benefit of 20 KL of free water. It will also help DJB to conduct water audits, as well as, understand and analyze the water consumption pattern in the city of Delhi which is necessary for efficient management of water to ensure equitable water distribution in Delhi.
