Maruti Suzuki launches water ATM in Manesar in CSR initiative

As part of its corporate social responsibility activity and community development efforts, Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) on Monday inaugurated a water ATM in Manesar village. The largest village among the company’s adopted villages, Manesar has a population of over one lakh residents, the company said.

As part of its village development initiative, the company has set up 10 water ATMs in its adopted villages in Haryana. These water ATMs have cumulatively dispensed around five lakh litres of safe drinking water, benefiting the residents.

Supported by Maruti Suzuki and set up by Waterlife India, the water ATM facility is built on a self-sustaining model. The company bears the initial project cost. The Manesar village panchayat has provided the land and is the project owner.

The panchayat will provide the water and electricity to run the ATM. Waterlife India will undertake operations and maintenance of the plant for a period of 10 years, and will sell water at a nominal rate of 35 paisa per litre, Rs 7 for 20 litres.

“Access to safe drinking water was one of the key issues highlighted during our need assessment with the community. This prompted us to set up water ATMs that facilitate access to safe drinking water at affordable cost. We started this initiative in 2016 and over the years the community has seen a fall in water-borne diseases,” A K Tomer, Executive Director, Corporate Planning, Maruti Suzuki India said.

The water ATM has a capacity to generate 1,000 litres of drinking water per hour. The 10-stage UV filtration technology by Waterlife ensures the water meets WHO and ISO standards and retains its essential minerals. The technology also helps in minimal water rejection -- only 25 per cent compared to conventional water purification systems. This minimal wastage of water helps to lower the per litre cost, the company added.