Manufacturing

Packaged Drinking Water Plant (Mineral Water)

Manufacturing

Medium

Investment

Payback

5–7 years

Break-even

1.02–1.10 Lakh/month

Gross Margin

45%

Top Subsidy

25% - 35%

Own Contribution

10% - 5%

Location Suitability

Best suited for Semi-Urban / Urban — near water source with good quality raw water
State / Region focus All India. Every city/town needs local water supply. Nagpur, Amravati, Aurangabad — wherever municipal water is unreliable.
Nearest raw material hub Bottles/caps: PET bottle manufacturers. Labels: printing press. RO membranes: water treatment suppliers.
Nearest MSME cluster Water treatment equipment suppliers, PET bottle manufacturers

Monthly Revenue

Rs. 10.38 Lakh

Break-even

Rs. 1.21 Lakh = 1,000 L/day (33% capacity)

Gross Margin

45%

Net Surplus (in Lakh)

Rs. 5.67 Lakh

Payback

5–7 years

* All financial figures are indicative only. Actual results vary based on location and management.

Strengths

  • 66% gross margin — water treatment cost Rs. 0.30/litre, sell at Rs. 10–15/litre (bottled)
  • 20L jar model: one-time jar cost Rs. 200, refill cost Rs. 8, sell at Rs. 35–50 — recurring forever
  • Universal demand — every office, hotel, event, household needs drinking water
  • BIS certification is a regulatory moat — prevents unlicensed competitors

Alert

  • BIS IS 14543 takes 3–6 months — cannot operate during waiting period
  • RO reject water (30–40% of input) disposal is environmental concern
  • Delivery logistics — 20L jars are heavy, delivery vehicle essential
  • Raw water quality may change seasonally — requires monitoring

Opportunities

  • Private-label bottled water for hotels/restaurants — premium pricing
  • Flavoured/infused water — lemon, cucumber, mint — Rs. 20–30/bottle
  • Water ATM / vending machines — coin-operated water dispensers at public places
  • Alkaline water / mineral-enriched water — premium positioning

Threats

  • Bisleri/Kinley aggressive pricing in retail segment — margin pressure on bottles
  • Groundwater regulations tightening — CGWA may restrict borewell extraction
  • Contamination incident — one failed test can lead to BIS suspension
  • Seasonal demand variation — summer peak (2x), winter lean
🏛️
PMEGP
25% / 35%
New manufacturing unit
🏛️
CMEGP
25% / 35%
Maharashtra
🏛️
Stand-Up India
MCLR loan
SC/ST/Women
🏛️
MUDRA Tarun
Loan only
Equipment + working capital

Quick Facts

Space needed

150–400 sq ft.

Manpower

4

Power

2–3 HP single phase

FSSAI

FSSAI

Women SHG

Home-based

Daily commitment