Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, yet an average Indian household wastes over 50 litres of water daily. At just 18 years old, Mannat Kaur has taken a bold step toward changing that reality. Her groundbreaking innovation, the ‘Decentralised Greywater Collection and Recycling System,’ has not only positioned her as a leader in water conservation but also made her the first Indian to represent the country at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize (2024).
A Childhood Rooted in Sustainability
Mannat’s journey toward sustainability was nurtured at home. Growing up in an environment where resource conservation and jugaad (creative problem-solving) were a way of life, she developed an early appreciation for sustainability. However, it was a firsthand experience during a water crisis in Delhi that ignited her passion for water recycling. Witnessing people struggle for water during a two-day supply disruption in 2016, she realized the fragility of urban infrastructure and the urgent need for water conservation.
Determined to find a solution, Mannat, at just 10 years old, began researching water wastage and the absence of a circular economy for water reuse. Over two years, she immersed herself in understanding the problem, conducting household water audits, and surveying 400 individuals to identify barriers to greywater recycling. Her findings revealed that while people were willing to recycle water, limitations such as space constraints, health concerns, and lack of awareness deterred them.
Bridging the Gap with Innovation
Driven by the need to offer a practical solution, Mannat developed her ‘Decentralised Greywater Recycling System,’ consisting of two key components: the Bilge Vessel (BV) and the Scupper Valve (SV).
- The Scupper Valve is a compact device placed in the floor drain, collecting greywater from showers and kitchens and directing it to filtration.
- The Bilge Vessel, inspired by the traditional Khamba composting method, is a three-bucket filtration system using natural filter media like charcoal, orange peel, and pebbles. This eco-friendly process purifies water, making it suitable for non-potable uses such as irrigation, mopping, and car washing.
The system, currently functioning in Mannat’s home for over two years, recycles 50% of the household’s water consumption, saving approximately 6,000 litres of potable water per month. The initial investment of Rs 2,000 is recouped within a year through water bill savings, making it an accessible and cost-effective solution for households.
Overcoming Challenges with Perseverance
Developing this system was not without its hurdles. From technical challenges like managing overflow rates to sourcing the right pump, Mannat faced several roadblocks. However, her relentless determination led her to refine the system through iterative design, successfully addressing inefficiencies and optimizing its functionality.
Her father, Gurneet Singh, has been a steadfast supporter of her journey. “To date, I think Mannat must have competed in 12 to 15 competitions, and she takes the feedback seriously and ensures to make the necessary modifications to her prototype,” he shares, emphasizing her commitment to continuous improvement.
Making History on the Global Stage
Mannat’s dedication earned her recognition at the IIT Madras national chapter of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, where she stood out among 350 applicants. Her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation impressed the jury, securing her a spot as India’s first representative at the international competition in Stockholm.
At the global stage, Mannat had the invaluable opportunity to present her project to industry leaders, including experts from Xylem. Their feedback provided crucial insights for further enhancing her system. She also had the honor of meeting the King and Queen of Sweden, marking a proud moment in her journey.
A Vision for the Future
Mannat’s greywater recycling system goes beyond household water conservation. By reducing dependence on central sewage treatment plants, her decentralised approach can cut carbon emissions by 80-85%, potentially offsetting 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
As she looks ahead, Mannat aims to commercialize her innovation, making it readily available for households across India. “As I go forward, I hope to turn this into a product that can be bought off the shelf,” she shares. Her vision is to empower individuals to take control of their water consumption and actively participate in building a sustainable future.
A Beacon of Change
Mannat Kaur’s journey is a testament to the power of youthful innovation, resilience, and a deep understanding of real-world problems. Her decentralised greywater recycling system is not just a technological advancement—it is a movement toward sustainability, proving that even the smallest changes at the household level can create a ripple effect in global water conservation.
With her pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment, Mannat is shaping a future where every drop counts, inspiring generations to rethink their relationship with water.