For D H Subramaniam, a Seawoods resident, sustainable water solutions are more than a concern – they are a mission. In 2018, he discovered an innovation that generates potable water from air.
“The machine, based on Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology, extracts moisture from the air, condenses it, and purifies it into clean, drinkable water,” he explains.
For five years, he has demonstrated AWG technology across various locations, advocating its potential to reduce groundwater dependence, provide clean drinking water in drought-prone areas, eliminate plastic waste, and offer cost-effective solutions for homes, schools, and industries.
Originally from Chennai, a city long plagued by water shortages, Subramaniam recalls struggling with limited supply in his youth. “Though Mumbai is fortunate to have an adequate water supply, I always wondered how societies would sustain themselves in a water crisis,” he says. His search for a solution led him to Hyderabad, where he witnessed the technology firsthand at a manufacturing facility.
“The machine works by drawing in humid air, cooling it to condense water vapor into liquid form, and filtering it through UV sterilisation and mineralisation to ensure high quality,” he explains. “It requires no external water source, making it ideal for water-scarce regions.”
A three-hour presentation and live demonstration convinced the 58-year-old to invest. “I watched water form before my eyes, seemingly from thin air. To be sure, I even visited a railway station where a water kiosk using AWG technology had been installed. Seeing commuters buy clean drinking water from air convinced me it’s practical.”
With support from his wife and son, he purchased a machine producing 50-60 liters of water daily. Despite its Rs1 lakh cost, he sees it as a worthwhile investment. Installed at his office during the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to serve as a reliable source of water.
Looking ahead, Subramaniam aims to scale up this technology, make it affordable, and integrate water management education into schools. He also advocates for CSR funding to support sustainable water initiatives and reduce reliance on groundwater.
